OJ Simpson's attorneys reflect on 'trial of the century' as they acknowledge his 'legacy is complicated'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former attorneys for OJ Simpson are providing insights into the renowned 'Trial of the Century,' suggesting that the footballer's "legacy is a complicated one," in the wake of his recent demise from cancer on April 10.

Simpson's arrest in 1994, in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and 25-year-old waiter Ron Goldman, sparked a legal saga that captivated the nation. The brutal stabbing deaths outside her Los Angeles home on June 12, 1994, shocked the world.

OJ Simpson's attorneys reflect on the 'Trial of the Century'

Simpson's defense team, which comprised nine attorneys including Robert Blasier, Alan Dershowitz, and Carl Douglas, has now come forward to share their recollections of the trial.

Dershowitz, 85, acknowledges Simpson's "mixed legacy," noting "he'll always be remembered as the defendant in the very important trial of 1995."

“He was very smart. He didn't always listen to his lawyer's advice,” said Dershowitz, adding that he “told [Simpson] once he got acquitted to assume a low profile,” but “[he] did not.”

The former footballer's actions after his acquittal, such as writing the controversial book 'If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer,' tarnished his image. “He did some foolish things writing a book [If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer] or he went on a lot of television shows. [He] did not do himself very much good.”

Families of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman hold OJ Simpson accountable

Fred Goldman, Ron's father, reflects on the enduring pain of losing his son and Nicole. "Nothing is more important than that," he tells People. "It is the pain from then until now. There is nothing today that is more important than the loss of my son and the loss of Nicole."

In 1996, the families of Nicole and Ron pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against Simpson in civil court. The following year, Simpson was held responsible for the deaths of the two victims. As a result, he was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.

OJ Simpson's desire for public adoration

Blasier, 76, who lived with Simpson during the civil trials, recalls Simpson's "strong ego," adding “that kind of clouded a lot of his reactions.”  “OJ just loved the affection of the adoring public, and he always hoped that he would be able to recapture that adoration after this trial,” Douglas, 68, said.

"He relished that positive attention. There could be three people out of a hundred who were saying things positive and he would only remember the three that were positive and care less about the others and what they thought about him."