Memories of the O.J Trial: Twenty Years Later

It seemed to be a slam dunk case, or in this instance maybe more of a touchdown case, with all the blood evidence, a history of violence and a suspect who attempted to flee; yet ‘not guilty’ was the verdict. It’s been twenty years since the O.J Simpson trial, an event which many would like to forget, but remains so memorable for a number of reasons. It was true ‘reality TV’ with stakes much higher than a million dollar prize and without any Kardashians…well yes, the Kardashians were involved.

I was pretty consumed by the O.J Trial as it provided more legal drama than even ‘The People’s Court.’ The participants were not actors, unless you count “Naked Gun,” but real litigants having their case heard on national television. It’s the most I ever watched CNN, (Fox News was not yet invented), where Greta Van Susteren got her start as an analyst, pre plastic surgery. I also watched a lot of the coverage on E!, which was hosted by the more attractive Kathleen Sullivan. (Remember, it was twenty years ago)

No matter where you stood on the case, there’s no denying that it was all very riveting. Before the trial even began was the historic White Bronco slow speed chase, which interrupted the NBA Finals. Millions of Americans tuned in to watch a Bronco, driven by A.C Cowlings, which contained O.J holding a loaded gun. Much more exciting than NASCAR. Meanwhile, Simpson’s attorney, Robert Kardashian (Kim’s biological father), publicly read what very much sounded like a suicide note written by O.J.

Yes, it all makes O.J look pretty guilty, plus the fact his blood was found at the crime scene and everywhere else of relevance; not to mention a cut on his hand; but that’s without anything from the defense. I think Johnnie Cochran could make the Devil sound innocent of any wrongdoing. He should have received an Emmy, or at least been nominated, because his performance was better than anything else on television in 1995, including Bob Saget in “Full House.” Seriously, Cochran was so captivating you almost had to root for him….I know, most of you disagree. However, all legalities, evidence testimony etc. aside, Cochran prevailed and narrowed it down to one simple line, “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Simpson had a ‘Dream Team’ of lawyers, which in addition to Cochran and Kardashian, also included Robert Shapiro, F. Lee Bailey, Alan Dershowitz, Barry Scheck and others. It’s Scheck who introduced the world to DNA. Now DNA seems like common knowledge, as people routinely say, “It’s in their DNA,“ but prior to Scheck it was just, “It’s in their blood.“

The ’Dream Team’ are just some of the memorable figures that became household names during the trial. There was the fumbling prosecutors, Marcia ’the Mole’ Clark whose now an author of courtroom drama novels and Christopher Darden. The victims families, Fred Goldman with his handlebar mustache and daughter Kim. There was also Denise Brown . From the LAPD were detectives Lange and Van Atter, plus Mark Fuhrman , who before Paula Deen and Donald Sterling was most infamous for having used the ‘N-word.’ And of course Kato Kaelin the aspiring beach bum actor, whose only role of any significance was his testimony. There were many more intriguing witnesses, but those are the only names I remember.

Finally, after more than eight months the trial concluded and in just four hours the jury had a decision. I remember I was in class at Sinclair when the verdict came in, I wasn’t expecting it or I would have skipped. Fortunately, I’ve been able to see many of replays. To be honest, I was a minority amongst whites as I was rooting for O.J. I didn’t want to believe a likeable celebrity could be guilty of such a heinous crime and plus I supported Cochran. Plain and simple, irregardless of Simpson’s guilt, the case was won by Cochran…if the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.

Ironically, and perhaps somewhat fittingly after the ‘Trial of the Century’ and all the time, money and attention it took that Simpson’s freedom wouldn’t last. He ended up in prison for a totally unrelated crime, so I suppose in the end that justice was served, but it wasn’t nearly as entertaining to watch.