Statements
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unraveled with a mix of celebration and controversy.
From legendary athletes achieving monumental feats to the shadow of criminal charges looming large, the events of Friday, June 17, 1994, remain etched in our collective memory. Iconic sports figures shined brightly, but the day was ultimately overshadowed by one man: O.J. Simpson and his infamous white Ford Bronco.
A Day of Unforgettable Sports Moments
The date was packed with notable sports events. Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round, the Los Angeles police embarked on a dramatic car pursuit with Simpson, New York City experienced championship fever, the first World Cup on U.S. soil began, and Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a milestone only Babe Ruth had reached before him.
Through it all, the dark discussion of the murder charges filed against Simpson tied these moments together.
9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer's Farewell U.S. Open Round
Arnold Palmer received a special exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont for his final U.S. Open round. Though he missed the cut at 16-over par, the immense support from the crowd brought him to tears. Ernie Els ultimately won his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death playoff.
10:17 a.m. | Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade
The New York Rangers celebrated ending their 54-year Stanley Cup drought. Mark Messier scored the decisive goal in Game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks. An estimated 1.5 million people packed New York's "Canyon of Heroes" for the parade, which concluded with Mayor Rudy Giuliani giving the players keys to the city. Since that triumphant day, the Rangers haven't won another Stanley Cup, facing heartbreak in subsequent seasons, including a loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 finals.
11:09 a.m. | Murder Charges Filed Against O.J. Simpson
The news broke that Simpson was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Their brutal stabbings had occurred just days earlier, and Simpson quickly became the Los Angeles Police Department's prime suspect.
1:55 p.m. | LAPD Press Conference
LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference announcing that Simpson was a fugitive, having failed to turn himself in after being charged. The authorities were actively searching for him.
3:00 p.m. | United States Hosts First World Cup Match
The 1994 FIFA World Cup marked its first staging in the United States. The opening ceremonies at Soldier Field featured Oprah Winfrey introducing Diana Ross, whose performance was followed by President Bill Clinton addressing the crowd. The first match saw Germany secure a 1-0 victory over Bolivia. The U.S. team advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win their fourth World Cup title.
8:06 p.m. | Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth's Record
Ken Griffey Jr. enjoyed a phenomenal start to the 1994 MLB season, hitting home runs at a pace matched only by Babe Ruth. Griffey belted a solo homer off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, tying Ruth's record for 30 home runs before June 30. However, the 1994-95 strike led to the season ending prematurely on August 11, resulting in the World Series being canceled for just the second time in history.
8:56 p.m. | O.J. Simpson's Infamous Car Chase
Simpson and his associate, Al "AC" Cowlings, fled from police in a white Ford Bronco, embarking on a low-speed chase that lasted approximately two hours and spanned around 60 miles of Californian roads. Every news channel in America broadcast the chase live. Simpson had a gun in the car but was eventually talked down by police and returned home safely. Crowds lined the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the unfolding drama, 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 unfolded, NBC preempted the broadcast to provide updates on Simpson's pursuit. Despite the distraction, the Knicks secured a 91-84 victory, with Patrick Ewing scoring 25 points. Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. However, the Knicks lost Games 6 and 7 in Houston, while the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic in the finals the following season.
11:47 p.m. | Simpson in Custody
Simpson exited the white Bronco, entered his home, made a phone call to his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice before the LAPD took him into custody. He faced charges for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The high-profile trial began in January 1995 and lasted until October, resulting in Simpson's acquittal. However, in a 1997 civil suit, he was found liable for wrongful death and battery, leading to a damages judgment exceeding $30 million.
Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after battling 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."