Reflecting on June 17, 1994: A Day That Shaped Sports History
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unraveled. The day was filled with moments of great celebration featuring iconic sports figures, but they were all overshadowed by the late O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
Friday, June 17, 1994, was brimming with notable sports events: Arnold Palmer teed up for his final U.S. Open round, the Los Angeles police brought Simpson into custody following a two-hour low-speed car pursuit, New York City had championship fever, the first World Cup on U.S. soil began, and Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a feat previously accomplished only by Babe Ruth.
However, the dark discussion about the murder charges filed against Simpson connected all these events.
Simpson had transformed his gridiron accomplishments into a successful career as an actor, football analyst, and commercial pitchman.
9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer Tees Off at Final U.S. Open Round
Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round, having received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont. Though Palmer missed the cut at 16-over, he received immense support from the crowd and got emotional after the round. Ernie Els ultimately won his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole.
10:17 a.m. | Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade Rolls Through New York
The New York Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought, with Mark Messier scoring the decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7. The Rangers paraded the Cup up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," where an estimated 1.5 million people packed the streets. The celebration concluded with the players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Unfortunately, the Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1994, experiencing losses against the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the Florida Panthers this year.
11:09 a.m. | Murder Charges Filed Against O.J. Simpson
News broke that murder charges had been filed against Simpson, accusing him of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Their bodies were discovered just days earlier outside Brown Simpson's house, both having been brutally stabbed to death. 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 regarding Simpson, announcing that authorities were searching for him as he had not turned himself in after charges were filed.
3:00 p.m. | United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
The 1994 FIFA World Cup marked the first time the event was held in the United States. The opening ceremonies took place at Soldier Field, where Oprah Winfrey introduced Diana Ross, who performed on the field before President Bill Clinton addressed the crowd. The first World Cup match on American soil featured Germany and Bolivia, with Germany securing a 1-0 victory. The United States advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win its fourth World Cup title.
8:06 p.m. | Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth with 30 Home Runs Before June 30
Ken Griffey Jr. had a phenomenal start in the 1994 MLB season, hitting home runs at a rate 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. Unfortunately, the 1994-95 strike ended the season on August 11, leading to the cancellation of the World Series for just the second time in history. Earlier that day, MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr met with 55 players to discuss the owners' proposal for a salary cap.
8:56 p.m. | Police Pursuit of O.J. Simpson Begins
Simpson and Al “AC” Cowlings fled from police in a white Ford Bronco, embarking on a low-speed chase that lasted a couple of hours and covered roughly 60 miles of California pavement. The chase was broadcast live on every news channel in America. Simpson, who had a gun in the car, was eventually talked down by police and returned home without incident. Mobs of people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the chase, 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 was underway, NBC briefly preempted the game to provide updates on Simpson's whereabouts, showing the police chase in the main picture. Despite the distractions, the Knicks pulled off a 91-84 win behind Patrick Ewing's 25 points. Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. However, the Knicks went on to lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston, while Houston swept the Orlando Magic the following season. New York was later defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
11:47 p.m. | LAPD Takes Simpson Into Custody
After ditching his gun, Simpson got out of the Bronco, entered his home, called his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice. The LAPD subsequently took Simpson into custody, charging him with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman. The high-profile murder trial began in January 1995 and lasted until October, ultimately resulting in Simpson's acquittal. However, in a 1997 civil lawsuit, Simpson was found liable for wrongful death and battery, and was ordered to pay more than $30 million in damages.
Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer.
Final Thoughts
The sports world was forever changed on June 17, 1994. A day that began with excitement and anticipation took a sudden turn due to the shocking events surrounding O.J. Simpson. While the athletic achievements of the day are remembered, they are often overshadowed by the dramatic and tragic events that unfolded. It remains a day that exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports and life.
Notable Quote
"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."