O.J. Simpson is back in the spotlight due to a new documentary series, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. The new FX series is bringing back into the light the events that surrounded O.J. Simpson and the murder trial that captured the imagination of a country. No one really knows for sure what happened on that fateful night, but one doctor thinks that Simpson may not have been able to control his actions.
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The new FX TV show deals with the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1994. Brown was the ex-wife of Simpson at the time of her death. In a shocking turn of events, Simpson was acquitted of the murders based on the fact that the gloves that were found on the scene did not fit the hands of O.J. It was during the closing arguments where Johnny Cochran uttered one of the most famous courtroom quotes “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”
Even though Simpson was acquitted of the murders, he was found to be liable for the two deaths during a civil suit. O.J. currently is in jail after an incident in 2007 where Simpson was found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping. He was sentenced to serve 33 years in prison and is eligible for parole in December of 2017.
Doctor Bennet Omalu , the doctor which inspired the movie Concussion , believes that O.J. suffers from a medical condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This medical condition is starting to become synonymous with the NFL since many former players who have died, have been diagnosed with the condition.
Based on the behavior that Simpson exhibited around the time of the murders, Dr. Omalu is convinced the former football star has CTE.
“I went through the O.J. saga, his story, and his irrationality, his impulsivity, his disinhibition, by disinhibition meaning you’re beginning to lose your learned behavior, his sexual improprieties, his violent tendencies, domestic violence history — in fact, almost bordering on irrationality, irrational behaviors. Even after he was acquitted in the murder trial, he still went on — you know, he’s in jail today because of some stupidity. After 2002, I’ve always suspected that O.J. Simpson is a victim of this disease. He’s a victim too.”
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that occurs over time where the brain makes multiple impacts with the skull (concussions). The brain injuries lead to behavioral changes that are out of character. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed during an autopsy, however, a preponderance of evidence could lead doctors to the conclusion that a person likely suffers from the condition. CTE is found most commonly in football players. Currently, 23 football players who have had their brains studied have been confirmed to have had the degenerative brain disease. Most recently, 27-year-old Tyler Sash and Ken Stabler.
Currently, 23 football players who have had their brains studied have been confirmed to have had the degenerative brain disease; most recently, 27-year-old Tyler Sash and Ken Stabler. One of the other notable cases of CTE was pro wrestler Chris Benoit, who murdered his family before committing suicide.
Based on his football career, O.J. Simpson may, in fact, have the brain disease that is causing the NFL to try and make the game safer. The world may not know if this is the case until O.J. Simpson passes away. It is always possible that progress will be made in diagnosing the brain disorder while a person is still alive.
Do you think that O.J. Simpson could have chronic traumatic encephalopathy? Will his attorney ask for a new trial and try to use this medical condition as a form of a temporary insanity defense?
[Image Via AP Photo/Ethan Miller, Pool, File]
