“If It Doesn’t Fit, You Must Acquit!” “He Is Not a Fit for Family Circle”
by Betty Jean Grant
Betty Jean Grant
A ha! Read both quotes above and tell me what you think. We all know that the first quote was uttered by one of OJ Simpson’s defense lawyers, John Cochran, as he tried to persuade the jurors that there was no way OJ could have worn those very tight, leather gloves. Lawyer Cochran insisted that someone, with a hand size at least 2 sizes smaller than Mr. Simpson, was the real killer in the double homicide case.
The second quote was released by the Buffalo Bills organization to inform Bills fans and the public that, after more than 46 years on the team’s Wall of Fame—having been its first inductee in 1980—O.J. Simpson’s photo, awards, accolades, and record breaking achievements would no longer be displayed inside the new $2.2 billion stadium, much of which was funded through taxpayer subsidies. They also would no longer appear on the display panels in the newly constructed Family Values Circle, the outdoor walkway leading to the stadium’s main entrance.
Mr. Orenthal James Simpson was chosen by Mr. Ralph Wilson and the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Drafts in 1969. The home of the Buffalo team was the War Memorial Stadium— The Ole Rockpile, on Jefferson and Best Street. That stadium—parts of it is still standing— was the place that became that Part in the story of OJ Simpson and the Buffalo Bills Franchise he helped build.
This writer is not a great or avid football fan, but I am smart enough to recognize greatness when I see it. OJ broke records in rushing over 40 or more years ago, which remain unbroken even to this day. He was the 1st Buffalo Bills player to be inducted into the NFL’s Hall of Fame, where his record and his inclusion are still in good standing. His football legacy includes winning the Heisman Trophy and being in the College Football Hall of Fame. Mr. Simpson’s name has not been erased or removed from any of these venues. It has only been the management of his beloved Buffalo Bills “family” that has chosen to dishonor his contribution and legacy for reason/s unknown except the word— “Fit” being a part of it.
OJ Simpson went on trial for the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman in 1995. Mr. Simpson was acquitted by a jury of his peers. OJ was later sued by the relatives of the two slain individuals. He was found guilty in that civil case and was ordered to pay the victim’s families millions of dollars. Several years later, OJ Simpson was arrested and charged with armed robbery for being with men with guns as he tried to get some of his personal belongings and sports awards back after they had been stolen. OJ Simpson was found guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was released after serving 9 years.
Through the very public and controversial time for OJ Simpson during the 1990’s, his beloved Buffalo Bills, and the owner, Mr. Ralph Wilson, did not see ‘fit’ to remove OJ’s name from the Buffalo Wall of Fame. The National Football League left his plaque on their Hall of Fame, in place. My question is, what is driving the Bills Organization to remove or delete the accomplishment of one of the greatest, if not the greatest Running Back to play the game?
Since the quote, “He is not a fit for our Family Circle” is out there, inquiring minds are wondering what is their evidence that he is now, after 46 years on that Wall, he is suddenly not fit? I believe the Pegula Team is not the same as the Wilson Team. Team Wilson, under the tutelage of their fair minded owner, knew that the acquittal verdict of not guilty means exactly that, whether we agree with it or not.
I also believe the spokesperson told us exactly why they are pushing for the deletion of the name and history of OJ Simpson. I believe it has everything to do with the results from the Trial of the Century. It has to be that because “fit” is an uncommon word to use in these circumstances.