Fans Outraged by Heisman Trophy Trust’s Response to O.J. Simpson’s Death

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Paul Bois

The Heisman Trophy X account took a beating on Thursday when it issued a memorial for the passing of former trophy recipient OJ Simpson while making no mention of the victims he had been accused (and acquitted) of murdering before being held liable for their deaths in a civil trial.

Sharing a photo of Simpson during his prime years as a star running back at USC, the Heisman Trophy account said, “The Heisman Trophy Trust mourns the passing of 1968 Heisman Trophy Winner OJ Simpson. We extend our sympathy to his family.”

As Breitbart News reported, Simpson’s star power following a prolific football career, which included 11 NFL seasons as a star running back with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, cratered in the early 1990s when he stood accused of the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Though he was acquitted of those murders following a lengthy and controversial trial, a jury later unanimously declared him liable for their deaths in a civil trial.

Several users on X dunked on the Heisman Trophy post and demanded they issue a retraction, with many recalling how Reggie Bush had his Heisman revoked for using his NCAA career for cash benefits.

The Heisman Trophy Trust was not the only response to OJ’s death honoring his sports career while seemingly ignoring Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown; White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre sparked controversy when she said that the White House expresses condolences only to Simpson’s family.

“Our thoughts are with his families [sic] during this difficult time — obviously with his family and loved ones,” she said during a briefing.

“And I’ll say this: I know that they have asked for some privacy. And so we’re going to respect that. And I’ll just leave it there,” she added.

Trojans running back O.J. Simpson accepts the Heisman Trophy on December 5 at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan, New York.

USC Trojans running back O.J. Simpson accepts the Heisman Trophy on December 5, 1968, at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan, New York. (University of Southern California/WireImage)

Simpson’s family announced his death at the age of 76 on Thursday following a battle with prostate cancer.

“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren,” a statement from the family said. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

Paul Roland Bois directed the award-winning Christian tech thriller, EXEMPLUM, which can be viewed for FREE on YouTube or Tubi. “Better than Killers of the Flower Moon,” wrote Mark Judge. “You haven’t seen a story like this before,” wrote Christian Toto. A high-quality, ad-free rental can also be streamed on Google Play, Vimeo on Demand, or YouTube Movies. Follow on X @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms. 

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