Statements
Thirty years ago today marks one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history. A day filled with moments of great celebration featuring iconic sports figures was ultimately overshadowed by the dramatic events surrounding O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
June 17, 1994, was brimming with notable sports events: Arnold Palmer teed up for his final U.S. Open round, the Los Angeles police brought Simpson into custody following a two-hour, low-speed car pursuit, New York City had championship fever, the first World Cup on U.S. soil began, and Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a feat previously accomplished only by Babe Ruth. However, the dark discussion about the murder charges filed against Simpson connected all these events.
Simpson had transformed his gridiron accomplishments into a successful career as an actor, football analyst, and commercial pitchman. But it was his alleged involvement in a double murder that captivated the world.
9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer Tees Off at Final U.S. Open Round
Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round at Oakmont, having received an exemption from the USGA. Though Palmer missed the cut at 16-over, the immense support from the crowd was palpable, eliciting an emotional response from the golfing great.
Ultimately, 24-year-old Ernie Els claimed his first major victory, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole.
10:17 a.m. | Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade Rolls Through New York
The New York Rangers ended a 54-year Stanley Cup drought, thanks to Mark Messier's decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7. An estimated 1.5 million people packed the streets of New York's "Canyon of Heroes" to celebrate the victory.
The festivities concluded with players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. However, despite the infectious joy of that day, the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since, with near-misses in 2014 and this year's Eastern Conference Final.
11:09 a.m. | Murder Charges Filed Against O.J. Simpson
News broke that murder charges had been filed against O.J. Simpson, accusing him of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. The brutal stabbings had occurred just days earlier outside Brown Simpson's house, making Simpson the prime suspect.
1:55 p.m. | LAPD Press Conference
LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference announcing that authorities were searching for Simpson, who had not turned himself in after the charges were filed.
3:00 p.m. | United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the first time the event took place in the United States. Opening ceremonies at Soldier Field featured Oprah Winfrey introducing Diana Ross, followed by President Bill Clinton addressing the crowd.
Germany faced Bolivia in the first match on American soil, securing a 1-0 victory. The United States advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win its fourth World Cup title.
8:06 p.m. | Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth with 30 Home Runs Before June 30
Ken Griffey Jr. was having a phenomenal 1994 MLB season, hitting home runs at an unprecedented rate. On this day, he hit a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, tying Babe Ruth's record of 30 home runs before June 30.
However, the 1994-95 strike cut the season short on August 11, leading to the cancellation of the World Series for just the second time in history.
8:56 p.m. | Police Pursuit of O.J. Simpson Begins
Simpson and Al “AC” Cowlings fled from police in a white Ford Bronco, embarking on a low-speed chase covering roughly 60 miles of California pavement. The chase was broadcast live on every news channel in America, capturing the nation's attention.
Simpson, who had a gun in the car, was eventually talked down by police and returned home without incident. Crowds lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, which ended when Simpson pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
9:00 p.m. | NBA Finals Game 5: Knicks vs. Rockets
As Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks was underway, NBC briefly preempted the game to provide updates on Simpson's whereabouts, showing the police chase in the main picture.
Despite the distractions, the Knicks secured a 91-84 win behind Patrick Ewing's 25 points. Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. However, the Knicks went on to lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston, and Houston swept the Orlando Magic the following season.
11:47 p.m. | LAPD Takes Simpson Into Custody
After ditching his gun, Simpson got out of the Bronco, entered his home, called his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice. The LAPD subsequently took Simpson into custody, charging him with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman.
The high-profile murder trial began in January 1995 and lasted until October, ultimately resulting in Simpson's acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found Simpson liable for wrongful death and battery, and he was ordered to pay more than $30 million in damages.
Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76, following a battle with cancer.
Quotes
"We spoke to Mr. [Robert] Shapiro, we expressed our dismay, and we indicated to him that we expect to see Mr. Simpson immediately, if not sooner."