A Historic Day in Sports and Crime: June 17, 1994
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unfolded. This date saw a blend of great celebrations and shocking events starring iconic sports figures, all overshadowed by the late O.J. Simpson and his infamous white Ford Bronco.
Arnold Palmer’s Final U.S. Open Round
At 9:07 a.m., Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round, having received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont. Despite missing the cut at 16-over, Palmer was met with immense support from the crowd and became emotional after completing his round. Eventually, the 24-year-old Ernie Els triumphed, clinching his first major by defeating Loren Roberts on a sudden-death hole.
Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade
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, and the team paraded the Cup up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," with an estimated 1.5 million fans packing the streets. This grand celebration concluded with the players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Sadly, the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1994, suffering notable losses to the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and the Florida Panthers more recently.
The Charges Against O.J. Simpson
At 11:09 a.m., news broke that murder charges were filed against O.J. Simpson, accusing him of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Their bodies, found days earlier outside Brown Simpson's house, were brutally stabbed to death. Simpson quickly became the Los Angeles Police Department's prime suspect.
The LAPD's Press Conference
At 1:55 p.m., LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference announcing the search for Simpson, as he had not turned himself in after the charges were filed.
United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
By 3:00 p.m., sports fans witnessed another historic moment as the United States hosted its first World Cup match. The opening ceremonies at Soldier Field featured Oprah Winfrey introducing Diana Ross, who performed on the field, before President Bill Clinton addressed the crowd. The match between Germany and Bolivia concluded with a 1-0 victory for Germany. Although the United States advanced to the knockout stage, they were eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win their fourth World Cup title.
Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth’s Record
Later in the evening at 8:06 p.m., Ken Griffey Jr. tied Babe Ruth's record by hitting 30 home runs before June 30. Griffey's solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone earned him a spot beside Ruth in the record books. Sadly, the subsequent 1994-95 strike ended the MLB season prematurely on August 11, leading to the cancellation of the World Series for only the second time in history. Notably, earlier that same day, MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr met with 55 players to discuss the owners' proposal for a salary cap.
O.J. Simpson’s Infamous Car Chase
At 8:56 p.m., the nation was captivated by a low-speed police pursuit involving O.J. Simpson and Al “AC” Cowlings in a white Ford Bronco. The chase spanned approximately 60 miles of California pavement and was broadcast live on every major news channel in America. Simpson, with a gun in the car, was eventually talked down by police and returned home without incident. Crowds lined the streets to witness the spectacle, which concluded when Simpson pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
NBA Finals Game 5
During this captivating evening, 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, airing the police chase in a split-screen format. Despite the distractions, the Knicks managed a 91-84 win, led by Patrick Ewing's 25 points. Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. However, the Knicks eventually lost Games 6 and 7 in Houston, followed by a sweep of the Orlando Magic by Houston the next season. The Knicks also faced defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
O.J. Simpson Taken Into Custody
At 11:47 p.m., after a dramatic sequence where Simpson ditched his gun, entered his home, called his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice, the LAPD took Simpson into custody, charging him with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman. The high-profile trial began in January 1995 and lasted until October, culminating in Simpson’s acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found Simpson liable for wrongful death and battery, resulting in a judgment ordering him 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.
A Day to Remember
The events of June 17, 1994, left an indelible mark on sports and criminal history. From Arnold Palmer's emotional farewell and the Rangers' jubilant parade to the shocking twists in the O.J. Simpson saga, this day remains etched in the collective memory of fans and observers alike.