As 2024 came to a close, ESPN’s Adam Schefter took to social media to honor notable figures from the sports world and beyond who passed away during the year. However, his decision to include a particularly infamous name—O.J. Simpson—on the list sparked immediate backlash.
On New Year’s Eve, Schefter shared a lengthy tribute post on X (formerly Twitter), listing dozens of celebrities and sports icons who died in 2024. His message encouraged followers to reflect on their legacies.
“As we begin to look ahead to the new year, please take time to remember and reflect on some of the legendary lives that we lost this year,” Schefter wrote, accompanying the post with a detailed list.
Among the names was Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson, who passed away in April at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer. Simpson, whose life and legacy remain deeply polarizing, had spent his later years playing golf, maintaining a social media presence, and largely staying out of the public spotlight.
A Controversial Inclusion
Simpson’s inclusion immediately drew criticism, with fans and commentators taking issue with Schefter labeling him as a “legendary” figure, given his notorious past. Simpson was famously acquitted in 1995 of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, but the case remains one of the most controversial and publicized trials in U.S. history.
Social media users didn’t hold back in their responses:
- “OJ Simpson should not be on any ‘in memoriam’ list. The nicest thing anyone should say about him is that he was a double-murdering scumbag,” one person wrote.
- “I bet OJ is looking up at us and smiling right now,” another quipped.
- “Snuck OJ Simpson in the middle there like we wouldn’t see it,” a third added.
- “OJ? Really? Wow bro. Legendary? Wow bro. Be better,” a fourth chimed in.
Simpson’s Athletic Legacy vs. Controversial Past
While Simpson’s personal life overshadowed his athletic accomplishments for many, his football career was undeniably historic. A Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at USC, Simpson became the first running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season—a feat he achieved in just 14 games in 1973. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, nearly a decade before the infamous double murders that forever altered his public image.
Despite his athletic accolades, Simpson’s name remains a lightning rod for controversy, which made Schefter’s decision to include him in a list of “legendary lives” particularly contentious.
Was It a Mistake?
Given the length and breadth of the list Schefter posted, some speculated that it may have been compiled from another source without thorough vetting. The inclusion of Simpson, alongside more universally admired figures, led many to question whether Schefter had reviewed the list carefully before sharing it.
If the post was an oversight, it highlights the importance of double-checking such tributes, especially when including individuals with complex or controversial legacies.
Lessons for the Future
While Schefter likely intended his post to be a respectful acknowledgment of notable losses, the backlash serves as a reminder of how deeply personal and polarizing such tributes can be. For figures like Simpson, whose lives encompassed both remarkable achievements and infamous scandals, their inclusion in public memorials demands thoughtful consideration.
As 2024 ends, the incident underscores the need for sensitivity in how legacies are honored—particularly in the age of social media, where every detail is scrutinized. For Schefter, it’s a moment to reflect and ensure that future posts avoid unnecessary controversy.
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