Thirty Years Ago: A Day that Changed Sports Forever
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unraveled, marked by moments of celebration and shock that would forever be etched in the annals of history.
Friday, June 17, 1994, was a day brimming with notable sports events. Iconic figures graced the stage, celebrated their milestones, yet all these moments were overshadowed by O.J. Simpson and his infamous white Ford Bronco chase.
Arnold Palmer's Final U.S. Open Round
At 9:07 a.m., golfing legend Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round, having received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont. Although Palmer missed the cut at 16-over par, he received immense support from the crowd and became emotional after completing his round. Ultimately, Ernie Els won his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole.
The Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade
By 10:17 a.m., New York City was awash in blue as the New York Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought. Mark Messier scored the decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7, leading to a euphoric parade up New York's "Canyon of Heroes." An estimated 1.5 million people packed the streets to catch a glimpse of the Stanley Cup. The celebration concluded with players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Sadly, the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since, facing heartbreak against the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and this year’s loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the Florida Panthers.
O.J. Simpson: The Charges and the Chase
At 11:09 a.m., the news broke 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 were discovered days earlier, brutally stabbed outside Brown Simpson's house. Simpson quickly became the Los Angeles Police Department's prime suspect.
By 1:55 p.m., 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 the charges were filed.
At 8:56 p.m., the nation came to a standstill as Simpson, alongside Al “AC” Cowlings, fled from police in a white Ford Bronco, embarking on a low-speed chase that lasted two hours and covered approximately 60 miles of California highways. The chase was broadcast live on every news channel, capturing the attention of millions. Simpson, armed with a gun, was eventually talked down by the police and returned home without incident. The pursuit ended when Simpson pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m. Later that evening, Simpson was taken into custody after calling his mother and drinking a glass of orange juice.
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.
The World Cup Comes to America
Meanwhile, at 3:00 p.m., the 1994 FIFA World Cup kicked off, marking the first time the event was held in the United States. Opening ceremonies took place at Soldier Field, where Oprah Winfrey introduced Diana Ross, who performed on the field, followed by an address from President Bill Clinton. The first World Cup match on American soil 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 its fourth World Cup title.
Ken Griffey Jr.: A Historic Feat
At 8:06 p.m., baseball fans witnessed history as Ken Griffey Jr. continued a phenomenal start to the 1994 MLB season. Griffey hit a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, tying Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 30 home runs before June 30. Unfortunately, the 1994-95 MLB strike ended the season prematurely 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.
NBA Finals: Knicks vs. Rockets
At 9:00 p.m., Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks was interrupted by breaking news updates on Simpson's whereabouts. 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 would go on to lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston, while the Rockets would sweep the Orlando Magic the following season. The Knicks experienced further disappointment in 1999, losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
Reflections
June 17, 1994, remains a date embedded in the collective memory of sports fans, a day where elation and infamy collided. Iconic moments in sports were overshadowed by the dark cloud of O.J. Simpson's legal battles, making it a day of complex emotions and historical significance.
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." - LAPD Commander David Gascon