Fansided

20 biggest sports scandals of all-time

By Josh Criswell

Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds in the dugout prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the 1968 Heisman Trophy of Southern California Trojans tailback O.J. Simpson (not pictured) at Heritage Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the 1968 Heisman Trophy of Southern California Trojans tailback O.J. Simpson (not pictured) at Heritage Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. O.J. Simpson murder trial

O.J. Simpson is without a doubt one of the most polarizing sports figures of the 20th century.

Simpson rose to national prominence at USC, where he became a two-time consensus All-American and was named the recipient of the 1968 Heisman Trophy. He would go on to experience a successful pro career after being drafted No .1 overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1969. Simpson claimed four rushing titles and the 1973 MVP Award on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

On June, 12 1994, though, his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ronald Goldman were found murdered outside of her home. Shortly after, Simpson led police on a highly publicized chase in an infamous white Ford Bronco, which ended with him being charged with two counts of murder.

The trial turned into a media spectacle that ended with Simpson being acquitted of the criminal charges, despite being found liable for $33.5 million in damages from a coinciding civil trial. He is currently in jail after being found guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery, stemming a confrontation at a Las Vegas hotel in which he claims to have been attempting to retrieve sports memorabilia that was stolen from him.

Simpson is not the first NFL player to be involved in a murder case, with former players Rae Carruth and Aaron Hernandez currently incarcerated on murder-related charges. The high-profile nature of the trial and the fact that he walked free despite mounting evidence, however, makes it one of the most notorious scandals in sports history.

Next: 1. College basketball point-shaving in the 1940s and 1950s

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