The former star running back who experienced one of the most epic rises and falls in media, O.J. Simpson, died Wednesday at 76 years old. Simpson is one of the most famous figures in American history. He was a Heisman Trophy winner, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft and an NFL MVP. Simpson was eventually inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame, and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and became a broadcaster as well as actor after his playing career.
It was also after his playing career where he became the most famous — or infamous. In reality, it was both. All that Simpson achieved professionally eventually took a back seat to a car chase that was undoubtedly one of the most pivotal events in media history.
Here’s what else transpired in the sports world on a day most will never forget: June 17, 1994.
Arnold Palmer played his final round at the 1994 U.S. OpenKen Griffey Jr. tied Babe Ruth’s record for hitting the most home runs before June 30The New York Rangers participated in their Stanley Cup Finals victory paradeThe World Cup began in ChicagoGame 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks took place.
All of these events combined paled in comparison to Simpson’s not-so-simple northbound car ride in California that same afternoon.
The Chase
After Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman were found brutally butchered in Brentwood, Calif., the football star became a person of interest. The Los Angeles Police Department eventually came up with a warrant for Simpson’s arrest, leading to his attorneys reaching a deal with law enforcement for Simpson to turn himself in. That was supposed to happen at 11 a.m. on the morning of June 17, 1994, as documented by ESPN’s “O.J.: Made in America.”
Simpson never showed, which led the LAPD to hold a press conference where the authorities announced they were actively searching for…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/o-j-simpson-dead-at-76-revisiting-the-famous-white-bronco-chase-that-changed-media-in-america/
Author : Jordan Dajani
Publish date : 2024-04-11 20:23:57
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