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O.J. Simpson, NFL Star Acquitted in ‘Trial of the Century,’ Dies at 76

O.J. Simpson, the former American footballer who was famously acquitted of double murder in what was dubbed the “trial of the century,” has passed away at the age of 76.

Orenthal James Simpson, known as O.J. Simpson, rose to fame as a college footballer before playing in the NFL. In 1995, he was acquitted of the murder of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in a trial that captivated America. However, in 2008, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison on charges of armed robbery, though he was released in 2017.

Simpson died of cancer on Wednesday, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, according to a family statement.

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In 1994, Simpson was arrested as a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. They were found stabbed to death outside Brown’s home in Los Angeles, and Simpson was immediately a person of interest in the case.

The ensuing court case, known as the “trial of the century,” saw prosecutors argue that Simpson had killed Brown in a jealous rage. The defense countered that Simpson was framed by racist police officers. One of the trial’s most memorable moments was when Simpson struggled to put on a pair of blood-stained gloves allegedly found at the scene, leading his lawyer to famously state, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

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Despite the controversial nature of the case, Simpson was ultimately acquitted, a decision that sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.

Before his legal troubles, Simpson was a beloved figure, known for his achievements as a professional athlete, actor, and spokesperson for major companies. He played college football before joining the NFL, where he became one of the greatest ball carriers in history. After retiring from football, he pursued a career in film and television.

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