The Day Sports Took a Backseat: June 17, 1994
Thirty years ago today, an unforgettable and infamous day in sports history unfolded. June 17, 1994, was brimming with notable sports events featuring iconic sports figures. However, overshadowing these moments of celebration was the late O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
Arnold Palmer's Emotional Farewell
At 9:07 a.m., Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round. Receiving an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont, Palmer missed the cut with a 16-over score. However, immense support from the crowd brought the legendary golfer to tears. Ernie Els eventually claimed his first major victory at the tender age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole.
Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade
Just an hour later, at 10:17 a.m., the New York Rangers celebrated their first Stanley Cup victory in 54 years. Mark Messier scored the decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7. Parading the Cup up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," an estimated 1.5 million people packed the streets. The players concluded the festivities by receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Despite their triumph, the Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1994.
O.J. Simpson: A Dark Cloud
At 11:09 a.m., dark news surfaced 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. Their bodies, discovered days earlier outside Brown Simpson’s house, had been brutally stabbed. Simpson quickly became the primary suspect for the Los Angeles Police Department.
By 1:55 p.m., LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference about Simpson, revealing that authorities were searching for him since he hadn’t turned himself in after the charges were filed.
The United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
At 3:00 p.m., sports enthusiasts marveled at another historic event: the United States hosted its first World Cup match. The opening ceremonies took place at Soldier Field, where Oprah Winfrey introduced Diana Ross, who performed before President Bill Clinton addressed the crowd. Germany then faced Bolivia, securing a 1-0 victory. The United States advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by Brazil, who won its fourth World Cup title.
Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth
At 8:06 p.m., Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a home run feat not seen since Babe Ruth. Griffey hit a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, tying Ruth as the only players to hit 30 home runs before June 30. This shining moment happened just before the 1994-95 strike ended the season prematurely on August 11, leading to the cancellation of the World Series for only the second time in history.
The Low-Speed Pursuit of O.J. Simpson
The most infamous moment of the day began at 8:56 p.m. when Simpson and Al “A.C.” Cowlings fled from the police in a white Ford Bronco. The low-speed chase lasted two hours, covering roughly 60 miles of California pavement. Every news channel in America broadcasted the pursuit live, capturing the nation's attention. Simpson, armed with a gun, was eventually talked down by police and safely returned home without incident. As mobs of people lined the streets to witness the chase, Simpson finally pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
An Interrupted NBA Finals Game
At 9:00 p.m., Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks was in action. NBC briefly preempted the game to update viewers on Simpson’s whereabouts, showing the police chase in the main picture. Despite the interruptions, the Knicks secured a 91-84 win behind Patrick Ewing’s 25 points. However, the Knicks went on to lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston. The Rockets later swept the Orlando Magic the following season, while New York was similarly defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
Simpson's Arrest
Finally, at 11:47 p.m., the LAPD took Simpson into custody. After discarding his gun, Simpson got out of the Bronco, entered his home, made a phone call to his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice. The LAPD charged Simpson with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman. His high-profile murder trial, which began in January 1995, lasted until October and ultimately resulted in Simpson’s acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found Simpson liable for wrongful death and battery, ordering him to pay over $30 million in damages.
Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
A Day Remembered
The events of June 17, 1994, will forever remain etched in sports history. As the world celebrated iconic sports moments, the dark shadow of O.J. Simpson's legal troubles cast a long, unforgettable shadow over a day that forever changed the landscape of American sports and media.
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."