‘Hard no’: Late OJ Simpson's family refuses to donate his brain for CTE research despite requests

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The family of OJ Simpson, the infamous former NFL player, has firmly refused to donate his brain for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) research.

Simpson, who died at the age of 76 on Wednesday, April 10, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, is set to be cremated in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 16, according to a representative for his estate.

There were repeated requests for OJ Simpson's brain to be studied for CTE research 

Despite repeated requests from scientists interested in studying the degenerative brain disease that affects many retired football players, the family has given a "hard no" to the idea, the New York Post reported.

“With OJ everything’s wild, but I’ve been getting calls from medical centers that are doing CTE testing asking me for OJ’s brain . . . that is not happening,” said Malcolm LaVergne, a family spokesperson to the publication.

“I may consult with the children on it, but I haven’t heard anything about it, so it’s just not going to happen," continued LaVergne.

He added, "OJ wants all of his body cremated for his children to do what they see fit.”

Inside OJ Simpson's stellar football career and controversial personal life

Simpson, known as "The Juice", had a stellar career in the NFL, playing 11 seasons, nine of them with the Buffalo Bills.

He won four NFL titles, rushed for 11,236 yards in his career, scored 76 touchdowns, and played in five Pro Bowls.

His best season was in 1973 when he ran for 2,003 yards - the first running back to break the 2,000-yard rushing mark.

However, his personal life was marred by controversy, including a murder trial that became a national sensation.

The 1995 trial and subsequent acquittal of OJ Simpson for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, became one of the most closely followed events in popular culture of the last century.

Social media also called for OJ Simpson's brain to be researched 

Despite calls from social media users for Simpson’s brain to be tested for CTE, it will now never be known if his football career may have impacted his brain.

"I hope they autopsy OJ Simpson’s brain and see how bad his CTE was," wrote one individual on X.

Another user wrote, "They definitely should test #OJSimpson‘s brain for CTE! He certainly displayed many of the symptoms."

Simpson's death was announced on his official account.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," the family wrote.

"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the statement added. 

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