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The Buffalo Bills are set to move to a new stadium this season, bidding farewell to what was formerly known as Ralph Wilson Stadium (branded Highmark Stadium since 2021) and relocating to a new facility that will retain the Highmark Stadium name. And just as you may expect, there will be plenty of imagery to honor legendary players from the franchise's storied history at the new Highmark Stadium – but one prominent former star will not be featured.
Team officials confirmed on Saturday that O.J. Simpson, who was the first player to ever be inducted into Buffalo's Walk of Fame, would not have any imagery or plaques bearing his name placed at the new Highmark Stadium. Simpson spent nine seasons with the Bills and is regarded as one of the top running backs in league history, becoming a five-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, but has faced significant scrutiny for his legal issues over the years.
“We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle,” said Pete Guelli, chief operating officer for the Bills.
Simpson was inducted into the Bills Wall of Fame in 1980, less than one year after his career came to a close. But he was thrust into the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons in the 1990's, as he faced criminal charges for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. He was acquitted on both charges, but was later held liable for the wrongful death of Goldman and battery against Brown in a civil trial.
He was later arrested on several charges relating to a 2007 robbery, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. He was found guilty on all charges and served almost nine years of a 33-year sentence before being paroled in 2017.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Bills decide to ban imagery of controversial star from new stadium
Continue reading...
Team officials confirmed on Saturday that O.J. Simpson, who was the first player to ever be inducted into Buffalo's Walk of Fame, would not have any imagery or plaques bearing his name placed at the new Highmark Stadium. Simpson spent nine seasons with the Bills and is regarded as one of the top running backs in league history, becoming a five-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, but has faced significant scrutiny for his legal issues over the years.
“We have made an organizational decision that he is not a fit to display inside our new stadium and family circle,” said Pete Guelli, chief operating officer for the Bills.
Simpson was inducted into the Bills Wall of Fame in 1980, less than one year after his career came to a close. But he was thrust into the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons in the 1990's, as he faced criminal charges for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. He was acquitted on both charges, but was later held liable for the wrongful death of Goldman and battery against Brown in a civil trial.
He was later arrested on several charges relating to a 2007 robbery, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. He was found guilty on all charges and served almost nine years of a 33-year sentence before being paroled in 2017.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Bills decide to ban imagery of controversial star from new stadium
Continue reading...
