As the prime suspect in the murder of his wife and her close friend, the NFL Hall of Famer leads police on a long chase that captured the nation’s attention
On June 17, 1994, NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson and his associate, Al Cowlings, led law enforcement on a low-speed car chase through Los Angeles, fleeing in a white Ford Bronco in one of the most notable moments of the 20th century.
Accused of murdering his wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, OJ was reportedly in the back of the vehicle with a gun to his head while Cowlings communicated with authorities. It was such a huge media event at the time that NBC preempted Game 5 of the NBA Finals that night between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. For a moment, the viewing audience paused… wondering just what exactly might happen next.
Simpson, considered one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time, had moved on to a career as a sportscaster, product pitchman, and Hollywood actor. For years, he was considered a beloved American figure on many levels. But on this night, the public got a glance at the circus that would be coming next.
Simpson’s trial for double homicide was watched by millions around the world and essentially became a movie unto itself. It ended with the former football player being found not guilty on Oct. 3, 1995. However, the acquittal was highly controversial, dividing sports fans — and the nation — over what truly happened on that fateful night.
