A Day Etched in Sports History: June 17, 1994
Thirty years ago today marks one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history. The date, June 17, 1994, unfolded a series of events that showcased moments of great celebration featuring some of the most iconic sports figures. However, these moments were overshadowed by the late O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.
Morning: Arnold Palmer's Farewell at the U.S. Open
The day began with Arnold Palmer teeing off for his final U.S. Open round. Having received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont, Palmer missed the cut at 16-over but won the hearts of the crowd. The immense support and love brought Palmer to tears after the round. Ernie Els would later win his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole.
Mid-Morning: Rangers' Stanley Cup Celebration
At 10:17 a.m., the streets of New York City erupted in celebration as the New York Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought. Mark Messier’s decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the Finals was the culmination of a thrilling season. The Rangers paraded the Cup up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," with an estimated 1.5 million people in attendance. The celebration concluded with the players receiving keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Unfortunately, the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1994, experiencing heartbreaking losses against the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the Florida Panthers this year.
Midday: O.J. Simpson's Legal Troubles Begin
At 11:09 a.m., news broke that murder charges had been filed against O.J. Simpson for the brutal stabbing deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Their bodies had been discovered a few days earlier outside Brown Simpson's house. Quickly, Simpson became the Los Angeles Police Department's prime suspect.
Early Afternoon: LAPD Press Conference
As the gravity of the situation surrounding O.J. Simpson continued to unfold, LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference at 1:55 p.m., announcing that authorities were actively searching for Simpson, who had not turned himself in after charges were filed.
Afternoon: The U.S. Hosts Its First World Cup Match
At 3:00 p.m., amidst the unfolding drama, the United States hosted its first World Cup match. The opening ceremonies of the 1994 FIFA World Cup took place at Soldier Field, introduced by none other than Oprah Winfrey, with a performance by Diana Ross and an address by President Bill Clinton. The match between Germany and Bolivia saw Germany secure a 1-0 victory. The U.S. team managed to advance to the knockout stage before being eliminated by Brazil, who eventually won its fourth World Cup title.
Evening: Ken Griffey Jr. Matches Babe Ruth
As evening descended, Ken Griffey Jr. continued his phenomenal start to the 1994 MLB season. At 8:06 p.m., Griffey hit a solo home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone, equaling Babe Ruth’s record of 30 home runs before June 30. However, the joy was short-lived as the 1994-95 MLB strike led to the cancellation of the season and the World Series for just the second time in history.
Night: O.J. Simpson's Infamous Car Chase
At 8:56 p.m., the saga of O.J. Simpson took a dramatic turn as he and Al “AC” Cowlings fled from police in a white Ford Bronco. The low-speed chase spanned roughly 60 miles of California pavement and was broadcast live on every news channel in America. With a gun in the car, Simpson was eventually talked down by police and the chase ended as he pulled into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
Prime Time: NBA Finals Game 5
Meanwhile, Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks was underway. NBC briefly preempted the game to update viewers on Simpson’s whereabouts, showing the police chase in a split-screen format. Despite these distractions, the Knicks clinched a 91-84 win, with Patrick Ewing scoring 25 points. Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. Nevertheless, the Knicks went on to lose Games 6 and 7 in Houston, while Houston swept the Orlando Magic the following season.
Late Night: Simpson's Detention
The day ended with O.J. Simpson being taken into custody at 11:47 p.m. After returning home, ditching his gun, calling his mother, and drinking a glass of orange juice, Simpson was arrested and charged with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman. The high-profile murder trial began in January 1995 and concluded in October with Simpson’s acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found Simpson liable for wrongful death and battery, ordering him to pay more than $30 million in damages. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
In the reverberations of these varied yet intersecting events, June 17, 1994, remains a day intricately woven into the tapestry of sports history.