It’s the 30th anniversary of June 17, 1994: World Cup in Chicago; Knicks vs. Rockets; O.J. Simpson car chase

Thirty years ago today was one of the most memorable and infamous days in sports history. There were moments of great celebration that featured iconic sports figures, but they were all overshadowed by the late-O.J. Simpson and his white Ford Bronco.

Friday, June 17, 1994, was packed with notable sports moments, beginning with Arnold Palmer teeing up his final U.S. Open round and ending with Los Angeles police bringing Simpson into custody following a two-hour low-speed car pursuit.

In between, New York City had championship fever, the first World Cup on U.S. soil began, and Ken Griffey Jr. pulled off a feat only previously accomplished by Babe Ruth. The through line for all those events was the dark discussion about murder charges being filed against Simpson, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP who had parlayed his gridiron accomplishments into success as an actor, football analyst and commercial pitchman.

Let’s take a look back at perhaps the most unforgettable day in American sports history.

9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer tees off at final U.S. Open round

At the age of 64, Arnold Palmer teed off for his final U.S. Open round. Palmer hadn’t played the event in 11 years, but he received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont. As one might expect, Palmer’s scorecard didn’t look great. He missed the cut at 16-over, but it was still a special day for the golfing legend. Palmer received immense support from the crowd and got emotional after the round.

As for the rest of the tournament, Ernie Els went on to win his first major at the age of 24. Els beat Loren Roberts in a sudden-death hole after the two were tied at the end of an 18-hole playoffs.

10:17 a.m. | Rangers’ Stanley Cup Parade rolls through New York

Just three days earlier, the New York Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought when Mark Messier, who guaranteed a series win, scored the deciding goal against the…


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Author : Austin Nivison

Publish date : 2024-06-17 12:00:40

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