Bob Costas details rare stories and events 20 years later in “O.J.’s Final Run”
20 years ago to the week, Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Rockets was overshadowed by the infamous Bronco chase between L.A.P.D. and O.J. Simpson. Bob Costas explored back to the day and discussed the unforgettable afternoon, plus his decision to air the chase live during the big game.
While all attention was on Madison Square Garden, the L.A.P.D. was initially awaiting O.J. Simpson to surrender himself for two counts of murder for Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Prior to the events, it was essentially the first ever African-American cross-over athlete to all demographics in the states, because most of the players viewed him as a childhood hero. Along with Costas revealing rare stories from the night, former NBA players John Starks and Robert Horry discussed the time on the court that would forever change their night.
During the chase, O.J. Simpson tried to call NBC Studios and speak directly to Bob Costas while threatening to take his own life, but was refused a direct line. The video below gives a brief examination of the night, including L.A.P.D. explaining how the chase concluded and sarcastically offering him a glass of orange juice.
We’re just curious how Mr. Simpson was able to drive to his front door step in a chase, when local authorities knew where he was going. We might not ever know.