USC should remove O.J. Heisman display


If you walk into USC’s Heritage Hall, one of the first things that will catch your eye at the heart of the Hall of Champions is the charming display of six Heisman trophies wrapped around the iconic statue of a USC drum major.

Present are the trophies won by the Trojans greats Mike Garrett, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and last but not least, O.J. Simpson — but that needs to change.

Since the school’s duplicate of Simpson’s trophy was stolen back in 1994, the trophy on display for the 1968 Heisman winner is actually a replacement for the original, though it was finally recovered by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Art Theft Detail back in December 2014.

Phony or not, Simpson’s trophy has no place being on display in Heritage Hall. In fact, its removal is long overdue. By continuing to display the trophy, USC is publicly endorsing its association with a convicted criminal whose collegiate playing days are nearly a half-century behind him.

Simpson is currently incarcerated, serving a sentence of up to 33 years after being found guilty on 10 different counts that derived from his involvement in an armed robbery of a sports memorabilia dealer, which took place in Las Vegas in 2007.

Ironically, the guilty verdict came down exactly 13 years to the day after he was acquitted of the double homicide of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, following what was characterized as the “Trial of the Century.”

The whole spectacle of the trial is now being chronicled in a television series titled The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which is bringing a popular question back to the forefront: Do you think O.J. did it?

Over the years, we’ve heard arguments and testimonies for both sides and beaten that horse to death time and time again. This new true crime anthology, however, is providing millennials their first glimpse inside the courtroom and the case, which had everyone buzzing just more than 20 years ago. Consider it the millennials’ version of Court TV, which was made famous by the O.J. trial.

In the show’s fourth episode, which showcases the trial’s jury selection or “voir dire” in legalese, USC makes a cameo.

“Are you a fan of USC football?” lead prosecutor Marcia Clark asked deputy district attorney Christopher Darden while discussing the questions that would be used to ultimately choose the jury. Darden replied by saying, “There’s a lot of Trojan fans Downtown,” referring to the venue of the trial.

These questions or comments are not libelous or defamatory in any form, but how can they not tarnish the USC brand when its name is being used in regards to a murder trial?

Even though our justice system prides itself on the notion of “innocent until proven guilty,” the day Simpson was charged with such a heinous crime, USC should have taken a stand and removed all of Simpson’s memorabilia — not for a few days, but for good.

Then and there, the University should have immediately dissociated from Simpson, despite the fact that he was eventually acquitted of all charges.

In the end, though, Simpson didn’t get off scot-free, as a civil court entered into a $33.5 million judgement in compensatory and punitive damages against him in 1997.

In effect, the court found Simpson liable for the wrongful death of both Brown and Goldman, contradicting the decision in the earlier criminal case.

Simpson was never formally stripped of his Heisman Trophy, but lacking money and assets, the large amount demanded in the judgement resulted in his very own physical trophy being sold in a court-ordered auction in 1999.

Another USC player forced to forfeit his Heisman Trophy winner under different circumstances was Reggie Bush, who continues to have almost nothing to do with USC after the University completely dissociated itself with Bush after sanctions were handed down in 2010.

Going away from USC, Penn State removed its statue of former head football coach Joe Paterno outside Beaver Stadium after it was discovered that he had concealed allegations of child sexual abuse made against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

It’s understood that the conditions in each case are very much different, but it’s just hard to swallow the fact that a convict’s trophy still sits on campus for public viewing, while Paterno lost his monument, and Bush continues to play the character of “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” To this day, Bush remains the only player to be stripped of the Heisman Trophy and I’m curious to know if the Heisman Trust ever at least weighed in on taking away Simpson’s.

Simpson very well may soon become a free man, as he is eligible for parole beginning in October 2017, but neither he nor his Heisman Trophy should be welcomed at USC.

Darian Nourian is a senior majoring in print and digital journalism. His column, “Persian Persuasion,” runs Thursdays.

62 replies
  1. OJ DIDN'T DO IT
    OJ DIDN'T DO IT says:

    This is an absurd article. I am livid. OJ has publicly said that he didn’t do it!! Why doesn’t anyone believe him? He even wrote a book ALL about how he did NOT do it! C’mon people!

  2. Undoctrinator
    Undoctrinator says:

    Mr. Nourian is a student, and, presumably in his late teens or early twenties. It’s hard to have much perspective at that age, and he is in a learning environment, so allowances for faulty reasoning should be made. We can’t expect high school ball players to play at the college level or college level players to play at the pro level, and apprentice writers and thinkers should, likewise, be judged in their “weight” class.

    That said, someone has failed Mr. Nourian greatly, as judged by his thinking that Mr. Simpson should have been treated as guilty at the moment charges were filed. That is alarming, and the adults in his life who think about how that would play out in “real life” should step up to explain to this young man why he is so very wrong and why the idea is so destructive and dangerous.

    Should Mr. Simpson, or anyone so accused, also lose their job? Be expelled from school? Or suffer any other preemptive penalties? It is chilling that someone admitted to USC could think so. The legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty” exists precisely to prevent imposing penalties and punishments on people who have not been PROVEN guilty. Because – guess what – many of them are not.

    Granted, individuals outside of court are free to form opinions of guilt or innocence. So long as they’re not on the jury, it doesn’t really matter. But we should ALL vigorously denounce as not merely unjust, but also unwise – and dangerous – the idea of penalizing someone on the basis of an accusation. Whether through the power of the state, or extra-legal action.

    As to whether displaying Simpson’s Heisman inappropriately honors him, reasonable people may disagree. Can one separate honoring his achievements from honoring the man? Does displaying it cause pain to Nicole Brown’s and Ron Goldman’s families? Should we defer to that?

    USC is rightly proud to honor the achievements of its student athletes. And we have many to honor! Would the school’s stature be diminished without Simpson’s Heisman? Hardly. And It would be beyond foolish to think that USC has to be ashamed that Simpson is an alum. Well beyond. But would the school invite him to a gala event honoring USC sports greats? I don’t think so. And I don’t think it should.

    I’m also more sensitive to the families of the victims than to Mr. Simpson. And I certainly don’t think USC is diminished if his achievements are not highlighted. Were it my decision, I would remove any display that could be construed to honor Mr. Simpson. I think of how I would feel if my daughter’s murderer appeared to be honored. And while acquitted in the criminal trial, he WAS held civilly liable for the deaths. And of course, he is a convicted kidnapper and armed robber.

    But should he have been so adjudged merely on the basis of the accusation? Absolutely not. Someone responsible for Mr. Nourian’s education ought to step up and explain to him why not.

  3. carlos
    carlos says:

    why would they remove it, its a testament to what he did as a college player not what he did after he retired from profootball. waste of an article. they should give reggie his trophy back as well and invite him back to the school.

  4. Rick
    Rick says:

    “DARIAN NOURIAN”, get a life ?

    Reality says no one gives a hoot about your opinion !

    What “Daily Trojan” needs to do is replace You !!

    Go join the NCAA, they need rats like You, join their cartel and chase down imaginary undesirables !!!

    AND PUT REGGIE BUSH’S HEISMAN TROPHY BACK UP !

    Now…

    LoseOn

  5. Rob
    Rob says:

    What else would you expect some guy from Iran to write. And I suppose all the players in your sacred cow soccer were saints, both on and off the field.

    • Bozo Ono
      Bozo Ono says:

      Put the ethnic bashing card back in your pocket because your response illustrated that stupidity has no borders. The article was poorly thought out. Period.

  6. Ron4usc
    Ron4usc says:

    Lots of good comments that I agree with. Let me add that, while I didn’t know OJ at all, I did have a couple of conversations with him when he was as USC (yes I’m getting old). He was always polite, friendly and even humble – nothing like the persona of a murderer.

    He is so dramatically changed that I can’t help wonder if he has brain damage. With what has come out in the last few years about the concussion problems with football players, it wouldn’t be a stretch at all. This is a fellow who gained over 2000 yards some years in the NFL. How many times did he get hit in the head?

    I don’t know of course, but if that’s the case, we should be thinking of him not with hostility but with compassion and perhaps helping him in getting NFL sponsored treatment and care. The last thing our school should be doing is piling on to the rejection he is already experiencing from most of the rest of society as this article suggests.

  7. Gabriel Alexander Mitchell-Arm
    Gabriel Alexander Mitchell-Arm says:

    You should have a seat and look at the history of the gates of Troy, Bovard Hall and VKC and then see if you really want to dismantle everything by name sake.

  8. Adam
    Adam says:

    Whitewashing history, or removing reminders of it, doesn’t CHANGE the history. People are dead whether or not that statue is in Heritage Hall. Removing it fixes nothing.

    Also … learn what the word “ironically” means. You meant “coincidentally,” which, ironically, is the opposite of “ironically.”

  9. Andrew Galvan
    Andrew Galvan says:

    So does this guy know the history of VKC and former USC president Rufus B. Von KleinSmid and I wonder if he gets this same feeling? I don’t hear him calling for the removal of VKC name from the building.

  10. AZUSC1986
    AZUSC1986 says:

    Mr. Nourian is also obviously ignorant of the U.S. justice system. There was no contradiction between the outcome of the criminal case and the civil case. He was found “not guilty” in the criminal case, which requires testimony and evidence beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. In the civil case, there is a lower standard to be found responsible or guilty, which can be likened to a “preponderance of the evidence.” Because of this, a person can be found not guilty in a criminal proceeding but be found responsible/guilty in a civil proceeding without there being any contradiction.

  11. JOHN JEWETT
    JOHN JEWETT says:

    Ridiculous! I’m not even going to let you get my blood pressure up with this rant, though I will respond is a simple way by saying, Put Reggie’s Trophy and Jersey back where it goes. Leave OJ’s football legacy alone. He is in Jail for the crime he was convicted of and that is his punishment! Paterno was never punished and since when does SC want to be like Penn St. or anyone else for that matter. Write a article about the NCAA and it unfair practices you would certainly have more material!

  12. James North
    James North says:

    Was this writer born about 1995? Only someone that childlike could come up with something as lame as this “idea”. Go back to admiring yourself in the mirror and believing the world revolves around you. Stick to things (if there are any) that you know a little something about.

  13. The Hermit 9
    The Hermit 9 says:

    I couldn’t disagree more. I am also pleased to see that there is no support for this. In fact, given the irresponsible, incompetent, highly biased outcome of the NCAA ‘s investigation (and what happened with Miami) it is time to bring back Reggie’s Heisman, put his number again in the Coliseum an invite him to attend games.

  14. Bulldog74
    Bulldog74 says:

    If anyone’s looking for a reason why I’ve stopped making alumni donations, look no further than this poorly thought-out column.

  15. LOS ANGELES COLISEUM
    LOS ANGELES COLISEUM says:

    The person who wrote this article needs to SERIOUSLY BE QUIET or sit down somewhere. The Simpson Heisman display should stay right where it is. OJ SIMPSON the football player has NOTHING to do with the criminal stuff he engaged in off the field.

    Darian Nourian, YOU’RE TOO GOOD OF A WRITER TO BE DOING ARTICLES LIKE THIS. I’VE BEEN READING YOUR STUFF FOR A WHILE AND THIS AINT YOU MAN.

    Darian, don’t let nobody at the Daily Trojan pressure you to write articles like this again. Kicking dirt on people while they’re down is apart of the journalism business, but Darian that doesn’t mean you have to be apart of that type of journalism.

    Daily Trojan y’all know better than to put out articles like this, y’all are too good for that.

  16. Thekatman
    Thekatman says:

    The opinion of the writer is another example of the flawed education our children are receiving in the post high school level. Universities and colleges have been infiltrated with leftist, socialist, child coddling professors and university administrators, who are not teaching our kids who to live a responsible adult life. Safe zones, are an example of taking personal responsibility for one attitude in life.

    The writers desire for USC to remove the OJ memorabilia and Heisman Trophy is absurd. Using his logic, and believe me, no one ever said liberal logic is logical….. we should remove all historical artifacts in this country, the Vatican, all government archives, based on what the the bad things they did in the past, and not the good things they did.

    I think this young man should take a walk around the USC campus and find ways to be a productive citizen and work towards helping the disadvantaged in the neighborhood, not slamming a USC athlete for his work while a student, even though he “may have” committed a heinous crime many decades later.

    • The Hermit 9
      The Hermit 9 says:

      You may have attended but it appears you didn’t receive an education. I don’t agree with the writer but is ridiculous to characterize the opinion as a result of ‘leftist, socialist, child codling professors’, etc. You need to grow up or maybe join Trump.

      • Thekatman
        Thekatman says:

        You know nothing about me or my political preference, so perhaps you might reconsider your rebuttal, which is a stretch. You might consider reading a bit about the political ideologies that are prevalent in our university system and the effect they have on our kids today. Helicopter parenting and leftist, “progressive” professors and admin staff are “pussyfying” our kids. Same thing happened in the 60’s with the communists, socialists working to subvert our university system, which they accomplished….. A lot of those students are in positions of power and leadership today in America, politically, and as CEOs, etc… Just take a look at some of these folks… The Clintons, Bert-n-Ernie Sanders, Peolsi, Reid, Obama’s mentors, who are anarchists Dorn and Ayers, just to name a few. Perhpas you might want to join the Trump bandwagon, or for that matter Cruz and Rubio or even Kasich. You’ll learn something meaningful that you can live by.

        • The Hermit 9
          The Hermit 9 says:

          You reveal your politics with your inane rant. Keep listening to Fox that is Faux News. They will keep you filled with paranoia and ignorance. In the meantime, make sure to never respect others with a different point of view.

          • Thekatman
            Thekatman says:

            You should reread your latest rebuttal. What you accuse me of is what you started and are doing now. Fight on.

          • The Hermit 9
            The Hermit 9 says:

            I didn’t start the rant. I am just very tired of all of bellicose hyperbole about the left, socialism, etc. etc. We can disagree but that doesn’t the other person is part of a plot to destroy the values of our society. Reasonable people can disagree . . .isn’t what democracy is all about?

          • Rick
            Rick says:

            “Remember” Hermit 9…

            Remember !

            The forehand or the forehead !!

            Don’t forget !!!

            Your future looks … – … – …

            And your friends are gonna be there too

          • Rick
            Rick says:

            Hermit, I’m not trying to be mean !
            But just in case, REMEMBER what I said, Remember !!
            Watch who You curse !!
            No Your enemies ??
            You seem decent, but in the end that might not matter !
            Have FAITH !!
            Watch who You curse ???
            And in that case, if any, don’t trust [ANY] news media !!!
            HAVE FAITH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
            LooK UP…….

        • Rick
          Rick says:

          “Thekatman” they are anarchists ????

          NO !

          They are “Anti-Christ’s” (Sanders, Peolsi, Reid, Obama, Hillary) !!!

          [THAT COMES FIRST !!!!!]

          And who really knows whom we can truly trust now ?

          The Marxists will follow their role, they have made their choice !

          Tough Times Ahead….

          Who leads America from here ?

          FightOn

          • Thekatman
            Thekatman says:

            The anarchist analogy was towards Dorn and Ayers. They are domestic terrorists (google The Weather Underground) that have been allowed to infiltrate our universities and have been given tenure by their left wing oriented university.

      • Bozo Ono
        Bozo Ono says:

        When was the last time you were on campus…or any campus for that matter?? Today’s Millennial generation has an expectation level of, I can say what I want, when I want, and do not challenge my opinion. They have taken the 1st Amendment and turned it into a one-way street. In other words, THEIR 1st Amendment right carries more weight and if you push back(figuratively speaking of course) they get offended as if someone took the teddy bear away and ripped it’s head off. Remember when earning something through hard work meant something? Now it’s “I deserve” with no skin in the game other than an emotional attachment. And yes, this paradigm is being brought forward by many of the professors tenured as well as non-tenured.

        The saddest part is that starts at home with the parents.

  17. GeorgeCurious
    GeorgeCurious says:

    Darian is clearly not a football fan and I question whether or not he is proud of being a Trojan. He has a right to his opinion though, even if it is sophomoric and moronic.

    • OJ DIDN'T DO IT
      OJ DIDN'T DO IT says:

      Sophomoric and moronic indeed! GeorgeCurious, I AM a football fan, and OJ was a BEAST on the field! How dare Mr. Nourian try to take away his accomplishments.

  18. johnsmart
    johnsmart says:

    The more I pay attention to college students today the more I think no one should be allowed to vote before they are 30. This is the most mush-brained generation ever. Perhaps the writer thinks USC displaying Simpson’s Heisman is a “mircro-aggression” and he might need a “safe space” to process his dainty feelings of oppression…

  19. johnsmart
    johnsmart says:

    i do not know which idiot millennial wrote this….but they really need a lesson in life… as in LONG LIFE. On what weirdo planet should USC remove Simpson’s trophy because of why he did decades after the fact? This article is another perverse result of the “victim” culture that thinks “feelings” are more important than facts.

  20. TrojanMan22
    TrojanMan22 says:

    This article is a joke.

    “Even though our justice system prides itself on the notion of “innocent until proven guilty,” the day Simpson was charged with such a heinous crime, USC should have taken a stand and removed all of Simpson’s memorabilia — not for a few days, but for good.”

    Seriously? So you’re saying even if USC knew there was a chance O.J. were eventually found not guilty of the crime that USC should have withdrawn support of an alum who actually did some pretty great things for the University and was one of its highest profile athletes ever? Do you have any idea how many erroneous charges are brought against individuals who, based on an even cursory review of evidence, have no business being charged?

    So based on a public suspicion of guilt BEFORE the legal process plays out AT ALL, we should completely ignore the legal process and then assume someone who — it’s important to note — has done more for this University in three years than this self-righteous and smug wannabe journalist will probably do in his entire lifetime? Wow. I’ve heard some ungrateful crap in my life but cannibalizing any of the positives O.J. might have left with his legacy in the interest of thumbing your nose down on him in a column is a shining example of why everyone is losing faith in millenials. No respect, whatsoever, not even in the place where O.J. had a palpable positive impact that led countless recruits to sign up to wear the Cardinal and Gold. If you are even capable of feeling shame, you should be disappointed in yourself for writing something this lazy and poorly thought-out. You’re not a Trojan, you’re a short-witted opportunist with a pen.

  21. Win4Ever
    Win4Ever says:

    Stop trying to change history. This is what the NCAA did to Reggie Bush. OJ committed crimes 30 years after playing at USC. USC is not responsible for the crimes committed by their alumni, especially when those crimes are committed several decades later.

  22. Rich S.
    Rich S. says:

    He didn’t commit his crimes until well after he was done playing football. Your take on the subject is a waste of time and completely fake. There is no credible reason why you would be offended by a statue that had nothing to do with any crime. Your trying to convince the world how fantastic and sensitive you are.

  23. Bill Wilson
    Bill Wilson says:

    Must be a bunch of LIBTARDS wanting to rewrite history. It was horrible what oj did but he won the trophy 20 years earlier. Kinda like Manning ya know libtards?

  24. mjaredgraber
    mjaredgraber says:

    Your statement of his playing days being almost a half century behind us just supports the fact that what he did on the field is totally separate from his horrible crimes later in his life. Not to mention the fact that he had a long career with the Bills in the NFL after USC. Are you asking the Buffalo Bills to totally abandon their history with OJ as well?

    What Joe Paterno did happened while he was directly involved in football as well as Reggie Bush (NCAA legal atrocities left for another conversation) Very different situations from OJ’s.

    • simply_not_nuts
      simply_not_nuts says:

      Agree with you but suspect you do not agree with the Bush inclusion. I would say that what Bush accomplished on the field was spectacular and few would argue. I think the athletic feat should remain a landmark for what it is. But of course I also think keeping the all time hit leader out of the baseball HOF is just as absurd.

      • G L
        G L says:

        Sure, Bush’s accomplishment was spectacular. But, as it turns out, he was ineligible to play during his entire spectacular season, so the Heisman committee had a valid reason for asking for it’s trophy back.

        And even if the NCAA had not forced the University to disassociate itself from Bush, the University would have had a valid basis for doing so on its own. Bush’s behavior represented a betrayal of USC on every level – university, students, and especially, teammates.

        • Bozo Ono
          Bozo Ono says:

          More revisionist history at work. Please point me to a link…any link, where the Heisman Trust actually asked for the Trophy to be returned. Don’t waste your time because it never happened.

          • G L
            G L says:

            Perhaps because Bush returned his trophy before they did. Given his behavior throughout the whole affair, it’s hard to imagine that he returned it unbidden from a sense of his own shame.

            So what’s your point, Bozo? You think catching a technicality somehow makes Bush look better? Every one of his team’s wins was vacated because the actions he and his family took rendered him ineligible.

  25. simply_not_nuts
    simply_not_nuts says:

    Historical fact is that OJ was the best in college football that year. Also factual that over 30 years later, he committed a double murder and 10 years after that, armed robbery. I have no problem accepting both sets of fact and believe that trying to expunge the early years because of what would later occur is a feeble effort deal with an uncomfortable life paradox. Reality can be messy, but it is what it is. The Heisman is for achievement on the field and his prowess that year is undeniable. I think both Bush and Simpson trophies should sit among the others. They were both earned.

    • USCody
      USCody says:

      Agreed.. His “collegiate playing days are nearly a half-century behind him”. Appreciate what he did on the field, which happened well before any of his heinous crimes.

    • GeorgeCurious
      GeorgeCurious says:

      Uh, OJ was found NOT guilty of a double murder. That is factual. You may speculate that he did it, but that is your opinion. Hope I didn’t ruin the ending of the TV series for you.

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