The Federal Bureau of Investigation released 475 pages of documents related to late Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson, which largely focus on the murder investigation into the 1994 stabbing deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman.
Simpson was found "not guilty" for the deaths of Brown and Goldman in his highly publicized 1995 trial, despite being later unanimously found liable in a civil trial for the wrongful death of and battery against Goldman and battery against Brown two years later. The FBI publicly releases records maintained on individuals after they die, including Simpson, who died on April 10.
The vast majority of files released on Friday include evidence collection and testing, as well as the detailed lengths taken by investigators. The FBI also shared a memo to investigators addressing the publicity of the case.
"Due to the intense media interest in captioned matter, and the potential prejudicial impact that public dissemination could have on pending criminal proceedings, the following information should be handled on a strict need to know basis, and should not be disseminated outside the FBI," the memo states.
Simpson's 1995 murder trial and 2008 prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping have overshadowed a Hall of Fame football and acting post-retirement acting careers, which he has unsuccessfully attempted to restore though his social media presence, launching his X account just over a year after being released from jail on parole. Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison with the possibility of (granted) parole after nine years on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery.
Simpson's official cause of death was determined to be prostate cancer, his longtime attorney, Malcolm LaVergne revealed to TMZ Sports on April 26. LaVergne, the executor of Simpson's estate, said he received the former NFL MVP's death certificate and confirmed that the previously unspecified cancer diagnosis was of the prostate form. Simpson's family revealed his death in a statement shared on his X account on April 11.
"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 Simpson Family," the post states.
Simpson recorded 11,236 yards, placing him second all-time when he retired (now 21st) and was the 1973 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in league history to record 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, while also recording an NFL-best 12 rushing touchdowns. The California native led the NFL in rushing yards during three other seasons and was a five-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, as well as a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and 100th Anniversary All-Time team.
Simpson also had a successful acting career, which included roles in 'The Naked Gun' film series, as well as serving as an analyst for NBC Sports prior to his murder trial. The former Heisman Trophy winner recently appeared a regular guest on the 'It Is What It Is' podcast hosted by rappers Cam'ron and Mase and co-host Treasure Wilson, which included comparing New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury to the 9/11 attacks, which was met with criticism.
Simpson also shared a video in which he implied his prison sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery was harsher than the one given to former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III in August.
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