Renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has shifted his attention from talking about touchdowns to discussing God’s judgment in the wake of O.J. Simpson’s recent death. During an episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith shared his reaction to the news and expressed his belief that Simpson was wrongfully acquitted in his highly publicized murder trial in 1995. He noted that while many people believe he was guilty, Smith himself believes that if he had been on the jury, Simpson would not have gotten off so easily. In Smith’s opinion, the evidence presented during the trial suggested Simpson’s guilt and he expects he will face consequences in the afterlife.
Smith made it clear that while he believes Simpson was guilty, he cannot say for certain as he was not a part of the jury and did not have access to all the evidence. However, based on what was shown on national television and the way the trial was conducted by Judge Lance Ito, Smith is convinced that Simpson was indeed guilty and deserved a harsher punishment. He went on to say that he was not alone in thinking this, as many people shared the same belief while watching the trial unfold.
The family of O.J. Simpson announced on Thursday that he had passed away after battling cancer. Simpson, best known for his football career, was charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1996. The trial sparked a national debate and lead to Simpson’s acquittal, much to the dismay of many who believed he was indeed guilty. However, Simpson’s legal troubles were far from over, as he was later charged and convicted for armed robbery and kidnapping, serving nine years in a Nevada prison before his release in 2017.
Stephen A. Smith on O.J. Simpson: "Most people believe that he committed those murders. I know that if I was on the jury, he would have been under the damn jail. I know that much. I believed he was guilty." pic.twitter.com/gaJFk2JmET
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2024
The families of the victims were awarded a $33.5 million judgment against Simpson in a civil case, but collecting on it has proven to be difficult. California attorney David Cook is still working to recover the large sum of money, even after Simpson’s death. This further highlights the ongoing impact and controversy surrounding Simpson’s life and actions.
Smith’s reaction to Simpson’s death reflects the opinions of many who believe that he was indeed guilty of the crimes he was accused of. Despite his acquittal, Smith believes that Simpson will ultimately face judgment from a higher power. Simpson’s death serves as a reminder of the difficult and complex history surrounding his trial and its aftermath, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and speculation.