ESPN Excludes OJ Simpson from ESPYs Memorial Segment Amid Controversy Over BET Awards’ Tribute to Accused Double-Murderer

No, OJ Simpson was not honored alongside Willie Mays, Jerry West and Bill Walton during the ‘in memoriam’ portion of Thursday’s ESPY Awards.

Simpson is shown during the In Memoriam portion of the show at the 2024 BET Awards

Of course, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the late Buffalo Bills legend and accused murderer would go unmentioned during the segment, which was aimed at honoring the sports legends who have passed away over the last 365 days.

But that wasn’t the case earlier at this month’s BET Awards, where that network was slammed for including the scandalized ex-con, who later served nine years in prison for armed robbery before dying of cancer in April at age 76.

Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and a her friend Ronald Goldman during the 1994 ‘trial of the century’ in Los Angeles, but was later found responsible for their deaths in a civil trial.

‘In the eyes of most people, regardless of an acquittal, OJ Simpson is a double murderer,’ Stephen A. Smith said on his podcast in response to the BET segment.

Host Serena Williams speaks on stage during the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre

Smith, like many, objected to Simpson’s defense attorneys accusing the LAPD of racism at his 1994 trial.

‘My attitude is this: OJ Simpson never gave a s**t about black people until he was indicted — never gave a damn,’ Smith said.

O.J. Simpson Featured in 2024 BET Awards "In Memoriam" Segment

‘Here’s the bigger issue, we should never be given a reason to talk about him again. We certainly shouldn’t be celebrating O.J. Simpson. I’m sorry. Not when two people were damn near decapitated and he was the prime suspect.’

And BET wasn’t the only major organization to honor Simpson following his death.

The Heisman Trophy’s X account also made a controversial post at the time.

O.J. Simpson Featured During 2024 BET Awards 'In Memoriam' Segment | Entertainment Tonight

‘The Heisman Trophy Trust mourns the passing of 1968 Heisman Torphy Winner OJ Simpson,’ read the post. ‘We extend our sympathy to his family.’

That post did not go down well with fans, who heavily criticized the graphic.

‘No one is mourning but you and his kids,’ one wrote.

‘Is this a parody account?’ another asked.

A different fan added: ‘My goodness……….get that resume up to date, Admin.’

ESPN avoided such criticism this week by simply omitting any mention of Simpson.

But that wasn’t the case in 1998, when host Norm Macdonald landed an infamous joke about Simpson.

The accused double murder had been ordered by the judge in his civil trial to pay the Goldman family $33.5 million, prompting Simpson to sell his Heisman at auction for a reported $255,500.

Addressing 1997 Heisman winner Charles Woodson at the 1998 ESPYs, Macdonald was sure to reference Simpson’s decision to unload his trophy.

‘And there’s Charles Woodson!’ Macdonald said during his monologue. ‘How about that? What a season he had. He became the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. Congratulations, Charles, that is something that no one can ever take away from you.’

Macdonald paused for effect before adding: ‘Unless you kill your wife and a waiter, in which case, all bets are off.’

Related Posts

Arik Armstead Wedding at Kestrel Park

Mindy and Arik Armstead said I do at one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Southern California, Kestrel Park. I will never forget when I got the call about this wedding. I was in Alabama visiting family due to covid 19 shutting down the wedding …

Read more

Olivia Culpo Showcases New Bikini Collection from Montce: Football Star Fiancé Christian McCaffrey Shows Support with a ‘Like’

By Heidi Parker For Dailymail.com Published: 13:56 BST, 26 March 2024 | Updated: 14:06 BST, 26 March 2024 Advertisement Olivia Culpo  shared new images from her shoot for Miami based swimwear brand, Montce. The 31-year-old influencer looked incredible …

Read more

Reggie Bush Joins TravisMathew as New Brand Ambassador

One apparel collection that Bush will give insight on will launch in 2024TravisMathew Former NFLer and current Fox college football analyst Reggie Bush has signed on to be a brand ambassador for apparel brand TravisMathew. Bush as part of the pact will …

Read more

NFL Legend Bruce Smith Delivers Hilarious ‘Penis’ Response on Family Feud

THIS IS AMAZING VIDEO!! Could you imagine going on “Family Feud” and being asked a question as simple as … “If Captain Hook was moonlighting as a handyman, he might replace his hook with what tool?” That’s what NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith was asked …

Read more

Bills Fans Spotted in Shocking Act in Parking Lot: A Controversial Incident Unfolds

I’ll take it when I can get it T… I’m not sure what is more savage, Redskins fans getting head, or the Bills Mafia just pounding away in the parking lot….

Read more

Young Eagles Fan Throws Popcorn on Disheartened Jets Fan’s Head During Game

October 6, 2019, 6:00pm EST  (Updated: December 27, 2022, 6:14pm) By  Follow Us 25 The New York Jets took two losses during their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles . On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles dropped 31 points en route to an easy victory …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *