June 17th

Today is the 25th anniversary of one of the most famous days in sporting history. The confluence of major sports feats occurred throughout the day which led people to have one of their where were you when moments.

It started early with Arnold Palmer competing in his final round of golf at a US Open. Down Broadway in New York City the Rangers we’re celebrating their first Stanley Cup in 40 years with a ticker tape parade.

In Chicago the World Cup of Soccer was played for the first time on US soil. In Seattle, Ken Griffey Jr tied Babe Ruth’s record of most home runs (26) before June 30 in his teams 65th game of the season. Back in New York it was game 5 of the NBA finals between the host Knicks and Houston Rockets.

I was in Fargo North Dakota attending a toastmasters conference and in the hotel bar with a number of other conference attendees. The TV was waiting for the basketball game to start when Bob Costas introduced breaking news a picture of a white bronco driving down an LA freeway being followed at slow motion by a sea of police cars.

The car was being driven by AC Cowlings with OJ Simpson in the back with a gun, disguise and a pocket full of cash. OJ Simpson was evading the police after killing his ex wife and her friend 5 days earlier. Yes in my mind he did it. The scene captivated TV screens everywhere. At overpasses groups of people held up signs cheering and shouting for OJ. Several hours later he surrendered to police.

This event predated the internet and social media. It changed the way major events were covered in the media. It changed the way celebrities were viewed in society and affected people everywhere. Everyone to this day has an opinion about OJ Simpson. I shared mine.  It was more than a black vs white cultural divide.

ESPN did a documentary as part of their 30 for 30 series simply entitled June 17, 1994. A must watch for everyone. 25 years on and today are we in better shape or not. The same issues then are being played out today with the same dramatic and sometimes tragic consequences. We have come a long way, progress is being made. We still have a long way to go. Be kind be positive be supportive and be accepting of one another.