OJ Simpson has passed away. He was 76 years old and he had been battling cancer for several years. All too often, OJ Simpson was used as a punchline, when really, he was at the center of one of the most despicable moments in history of American criminal law: his acquittal in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Then in 2008, he was convicted of completely separate crimes related to armed robbery. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison and he was paroled in 2017.

O.J. Simpson, arguably one of the most controversial figures in modern American history, has died at the age of 76. According to a statement from his family on X (formerly Twitter,) the Hall of Fame football player, legendary broadcaster, self-deprecating actor, convicted felon, and accused — but ultimately, acquitted — murderer died at 76 years old on April 10.

“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 post on Simpson’s account reads.

Once a celebrated personality, heralded for his record-breaking contributions to college and professional football, Simpson’s triumphs and exploits on the gridiron have long been overshadowed by his 1994 arrest for the slashing murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.

Simpson was detained on June 17, 1994, following a prolonged, low-speed police chase that was carried live on television stations all around the world. Crowds formed over highway overpasses to get a glimpse of Simpson, who was infamously chased in a white Ford Bronco being driven by his friend and former teammate Al Cowlings.

Simpson was tried for the murders over 11 months in what many of the legal experts of the time dubbed “The Trial of the Century.” His legal team boasted powerhouse attorneys Robert Shapiro and the late Johnnie Cochran, Robert Kardashian, and F. Lee Bailey. On Oct. 3, 1995, jurors returned “not guilty” verdicts on both counts of murder. It is estimated that 100 million people in the United States alone tuned in to either watch or listen to the stunning verdict.

[From People]

“Self-deprecating actor” – let’s not. It’s not all that complicated. I feel sorry for his kids and that’s about it. I hope Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman’s families are doing well and they’re in my thoughts today.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, UPPA/Photoshot.

O.J. SIMPSON Former American Footballer (Recently acquitted by an American court of the murder of his wife) COMPULSORY CREDIT: Talking Sport/Photoshot Photo UIW 011516/A-36 14.05.1996,Image: 504159910, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: World Rights – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries call Photoshot Global HQ – London + 44 (0)20 7421 6000 , also New York Office Tel : + 1 646-429-8731 and Hamburg Office Tel +49 (0)40 530 240 5959, Model Release: no, Credit line: Photoshot / Avalon

19481, MIAMI, FLORIDA – January 2008. OJ Simpson’s latest police mugshot after he was detained for violating the terms of his probation. Simpson allegedly called one of his co-defendants in his Las Vagas robbery case, a contravention of his bail terms. He was freed on bail in September 2007 following his arrest after he and several friends were said to have burst into a Las Vegas hotel room and robbed two sports memorabillia dealers at gunpoint. Photograph: Supplied by PacificCoastNews.com. UK OFFICE: +44 131 557 7760/7761/7762, USA: +1 310 261 9676 “Disclaimer: BWP Media Inc and their brand Pacific Coast News does not claim any Copyright or License in the attached material. Any downloading fees charged by BWP Media Inc and their brand Pacific Coast News are for its services only, and do not, nor are they intended to convey to the user any Copyright or License in the material. By publishing this material, the user expressly agrees to indemnify and to hold BWP Media Inc and their brand Pacific Coast News harmless from any claims, demands or causes of action arising out of or connected in any way with user’s publication of the material.”,Image: 523252255, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WORLD RIGHTS, DIRECT SALES ONLY UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE IN CAPTION – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: PacificCoastNews.com / Avalon