O.J. Simpson will be released from prison in October after spending nine years incarcerated following convictions on armed robbery and kidnapping charges.
Of course, this isn’t the news story most pay attention to when focusing on the former all-time great running back. Simpson’s name became infamous after he was charged (and later acquitted) of killing his ex-wife and her friend back in the 1990s.
Despite everything that has happened to Simpson (mostly of his doing) since retiring from football in 1979, Simpson himself is still invited to attend the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
“All Hall of Famers are invited to attend the annual enshrinement,” Pro Football Hall of Fame officials told ESPN on Friday.
The Hall of Fame has not stripped Simpson of his place in Canton, so it stands to reason that he would still be invited. Though, if Simpson were to decide to show up, it would likely bring a media circus with it. Simpson himself remains one of the most controversial figures in the sports world.
The good news for those not looking for drama is that O.J. has not attended a ceremony in Canton since he himself was inducted back in 1985.
If Simpson decides to attend, one has to wonder whether his potential new employer will give him time off.