Sports world reacts to the death of polarizing figure O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson, the former football great, has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer, according to his family's social media announcement.
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the statement posted to X, formally known as Twitter, from his family said.
On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.
-The Simpson Family— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
Simpson had a career in the NFL which spanned 11 seasons. Simpson spent most of his career with the Buffalo Bills and had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers. However, Simpson's professional football career was overshadowed by the trial and subsequent acquittal for the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
More: O.J. Simpson dies of cancer at 76, his family announces
Reactions to Simpson's death on social media
After the infamous Simpson's death, reactions have poured in regarding his sports career. And they range widely for someone who was such a polarizing figure.
Good Riddance #OJSimpson
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) April 11, 2024
The amount if journalists/media companies that are using OJ’s court pictures to announce his death is disgusting!
Regardless of what you may think about him he was innocent in court and has kids out here.
Y’all have no respect. pic.twitter.com/if1eeXQLBy— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 11, 2024
The amount if journalists/media companies that are using OJ’s court pictures to announce his death is disgusting!
Regardless of what you may think about him he was innocent in court and has kids out here.
Y’all have no respect. pic.twitter.com/if1eeXQLBy— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 11, 2024
Jeremy Schaap offered his reflection on O.J. Simpson's death.
"Anyone who has seriously looked at the evidence... would have to come to the conclusion that he was a murderer. And so am I filled with sorrow today? I'm not." pic.twitter.com/bSaVryiyok— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2024
In my opinion, this is the correct way to eulogize OJ.
However, this level of honest accounting immediately upon death is something we almost *never* do, and is nearly universally frowned upon, when it comes to political/historic figures who inflicted mass death or suffering. https://t.co/KH0sFfgSS8— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 11, 2024
The amount if journalists/media companies that are using OJ’s court pictures to announce his death is disgusting!
Regardless of what you may think about him he was innocent in court and has kids out here.
Y’all have no respect. pic.twitter.com/if1eeXQLBy— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 11, 2024
A complicated life legacy, but as far as his football career goes, OJ Simpson is one of the greatest running backs of All-Time. Arguably the greatest Buffalo Bill of all-time.
1947-2024 OJ Simpson #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/GMRc9E0fd3— Ryan Thomas (@ryanthomastake) April 11, 2024
The first player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.https://t.co/XJGhhcqLta
— StatMuse NFL (@statmusenfl) April 11, 2024
OJ Simpson, way better football player than person.
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 11, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: O.J. Simpson's death leads to outpouring of reactions from sports world
