An Unforgettable Day in Sports History
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unraveled. What began as a day brimming with celebrations and remarkable sporting achievements, quickly turned into a series of events dominated by the late O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
Friday, June 17, 1994, was a day filled with significant sports moments: Arnold Palmer teed up for his final U.S. Open round, the LAPD pursued Simpson in a low-speed car chase, New York celebrated a Stanley Cup victory, the first World Cup on U.S. soil commenced, and Ken Griffey Jr. achieved a historic feat. However, these celebrations were overshadowed by the dark cloud of murder charges filed against Simpson.
9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer's Emotional Farewell at U.S. Open
Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round at Oakmont, having received an exemption from the USGA. Although Palmer missed the cut with a score of 16-over, he received overwhelming support from the crowd, bringing him to tears after the round. Ernie Els ultimately won his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death playoff.
10:17 a.m. | Rangers' Stanley Cup Celebration in 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. A massive parade ensued up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," with approximately 1.5 million people packing the streets. The celebrations ended with players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. However, this victory has not been repeated; the Rangers suffered significant defeats in 2014 and 2023.
11:09 a.m. | Murder Charges Filed Against O.J. Simpson
The news broke that murder charges had been filed against O.J. Simpson, accusing him of the brutal stabbing deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. This revelation turned Simpson from a celebrated athlete and actor into the prime suspect in a high-profile murder case.
1:55 p.m. | LAPD Press Conference
LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference announcing that authorities were searching for Simpson, who had not turned himself in following the charges. The tension around the case was palpable and dominated media coverage.
3:00 p.m. | United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
The 1994 FIFA World Cup debuted in the United States, with opening ceremonies at Soldier Field. Oprah Winfrey introduced Diana Ross, who performed before President Bill Clinton addressed the crowd. The first match on American soil saw Germany defeat Bolivia 1-0. The United States performed admirably, advancing to the knockout stage but ultimately being eliminated by Brazil, who went on to win their fourth World Cup title.
Later that day, Ken Griffey Jr. continued making history in baseball.
8:06 p.m. | Ken Griffey Jr. Equals Babe Ruth's Feat
Ken Griffey Jr. showcased a phenomenal start to the 1994 MLB season. Hitting a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, Griffey tied Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 30 home runs before June 30. Unfortunately, the 1994-95 strike ended the season prematurely on August 11, leading to the World Series' cancellation for only the second time in history. Earlier in the day, MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr met with 55 players to discuss the owners' proposal for a salary cap.
8:56 p.m. | The Infamous O.J. Simpson Car Chase Begins
A white Ford Bronco carrying O.J. Simpson and Al "A.C." Cowlings fled from the police, leading to a low-speed chase that covered roughly 60 miles of California pavement. The pursuit was broadcast live on every news channel in America. Simpson, armed with a gun, was eventually talked down by police and returned home without incident. Crowds lined the streets to glimpse the spectacle, which concluded when Simpson pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
9:00 p.m. | NBA Finals Game 5: Knicks vs. Rockets
Even the NBA Finals couldn't escape the shadow of the Simpson chase. As Game 5 between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks unfolded, NBC briefly preempted the action to update viewers on Simpson's whereabouts. Despite the distractions, the Knicks secured a 91-84 win, driven by Patrick Ewing's 25 points. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Rockets led all scorers with 27 points. However, the Knicks would lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston, with Houston sweeping the Orlando Magic the following season.
The chaotic day finally neared its end with Simpson's apprehension.
11:47 p.m. | Simpson Taken into Custody
After discarding his gun, Simpson exited the Bronco, entered his home, called his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice. The LAPD then took Simpson into custody, charging him with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman. Simpson's high-profile trial began in January 1995, lasting until October, and ended in his acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found him liable for wrongful death and battery, resulting in $30 million in damages. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Reflecting on the Day
"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," one official noted. This quote sums up the urgency and drama that permeated the day, casting a long shadow over what could have been purely a celebration of sports milestones.