Lincoln Riley comments on death of OJ Simpson

Lincoln Riley commented on the death of OJ Simpson when he met with members of the media during his spring practice availability.

It wasn’t a long statement regarding the complicated legacy of Simpson. A former Heisman Trophy winner at USC, Simpson was a Hall of Famer as a pro and in college on the field, but is widely known for his double murder trial back in 1994.

Riley, knowing the history of USC, acknowledged Simpson as a player when asked about his death.

“As a head coach here, you obviously know about his history and legacy,” Riley said. “We certainly recognize that and obviously extend our sympathies to his family on their loss.”

The Heisman Trophy trust also acknowledged Simpson’s passing. The former USC star was one of the biggest names in football that transcended the sport.

“The Heisman Trophy Trust mourns the passing of 1968 Heisman Trophy winner OJ Simpson,” the statement read. “We extend our sympathy to his family.”

Prior to his NFL career, “The Juice” had a stellar career at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 for the Trojans. He finished his college career with 3,423 yards, 36 touchdowns, 5.1 yards per carry, 36 catches and 320 receiving yards.

As a player, Simpson played the bulk of his career with the Bills from 1969-77 and then the San Francisco 49ers from 1978-79.

Simpson’s personal life was discussed often in his post football life. The former running back was accused and charged for the murders of his wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman back in June of 1994.

He was later acquitted but the families of Goldman and Brown-Simpson filed a civil lawsuit against OJ. He was found liable for the wrongful death and battery against both individuals was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.

Amid other legal troubles, Simpson eventually went to prison for a robbery in Las Vegas. He led a group of men into a room at the Palace Station Hotel Casino and took sports memorabilia at gunpoint.

On December 5, 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison with possibility of parole after nine. He was granted parole in 2013 but continued imprisonment and was eventually released on October 1, 2017.