ruins of O.J. Simpson The New York Post reported Saturday that the man, who died this week after a battle with prostate cancer, has no plans to donate his brain to research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and will be cremated.
Malcolm LaVergne, Simpson’s longtime attorney and executor, said: told the outlet Cremation plans were approved, but the family “categorically refused” multiple requests to donate Simpson’s brain to CTE research.
O.J. Simpson was the first player in Buffalo Bills history to be inducted into the Buffalo Bills’ Wall of Fame on September 14, 1980 at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Pictured with Simpson are his parents and son. (Bettman Archive via Getty Images)
“They might consult with the kids, but I haven’t heard anything about that, so that’s not going to happen. O.J. will cremate his entire body to let the kids do what they see fit. I hope so,” Lavergne said.
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former connection NFL players and CTE have been hotly debated for years as new data continues to show a link.
In 2023, Boston University CTE Center announced that out of 376 former NFL players studied, an astonishing 345, or nearly 92%, were found to have CTE.
The Mayo Clinic describes CTE as a degenerative brain disease “likely caused by repeated head trauma.” Diagnosis cannot be made without a postmortem brain autopsy. The disease has no obvious symptoms, but those diagnosed are often accompanied by anger.
On September 28, 1975, in the third quarter of a game, O.J. Simpson outran Steelers Jack Russell (59 years old) and Andy Russell (34 years old) and ran 87 yards for a touchdown. . (Bettman Archive via Getty Images)
Bob Costas recalls O.J. Simpson trying to call him during the 1994 Bronco car chase and NBA Finals broadcast
Simpson had a tremendous career in the NFL, but was marginalized after the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1994. Simpson was acquitted of those charges. He died on Wednesday at the age of 76.
LaVergne told the Post that Tuesday is the likely date for Simpson’s body to be cremated.
“That’s what OJ wants. That’s what OJ wants and that’s what the kids are telling me.”
O.J. Simpson of the Buffalo Bills during an NFL playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 22, 1974 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Los Lucis/Getty Images)
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He added that a “celebration of a lifetime of service” may be held for close friends and family at a later date.
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