THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 22, 1994 TAG: 9406220011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Medium
DATELINE: 940622 LENGTH:
Yes, Mr. Simpson was a great football player, one of the greatest of his time, but that was where his greatness ended. At best he was an average sports commentator and analyst. His acting career was not what you would call dazzling.
{REST} To me, an American hero is a person who saved someone's life under unusually harsh conditions, or someone who risked his or her life in order to improve life for others, such as our soldiers who fight in foreign wars and our astronauts who pave the way to the future.
No, Mr. Simpson wasn't an American hero. He was just a great football player.
LARRY FLEMING
Norfolk, June 20, 1994
\ Over the past five days, the main theme running through all conversations surrounding the tragic O.J. Simpson situation has been disbelief that a sports figure of his stature could be involved in crime.
Why couldn't he be?
There are only two things that separate prominent sports figures from the rest of the human race: They are overglamorized and overpaid!
H. A. MARSHALL
Virginia Beach, June 18, 1994
\ In less than a four-month period - in a location less than 20 miles from Norfolk - three police officers were murdered in the line of duty. I don't recall seeing the front page of your newspaper dedicated to any of those atrocities the day after each murder.
This morning - in a setting more than 2,000 miles from Hampton Roads - a convicted wife beater and fugitive from justice for a double murder (granted, a national sports figure who became a member of your media fraternity) was given not only the entire front page but also the first eight pages of your journal.
Responsible journalism at its best.
A. C. BLACK JR.
Chesapeake, June 18, 1994
\ I barely had my eyes open when I picked up the morning paper. I just couldn't believe it when I saw that the whole front page was devoted to O.J. Simpson. Then I had to turn to Page 8 to get any other news.
This is journalism at its worst. If I wanted a tabloid paper, I would buy one. Any more of this kind of news (?), and I will cancel my subscription.
No other man accused of stabbing his wife to death in a fit of jealous rage would have taken up the whole front page of a newspaper.
Tell me, just what is so special about a retired football player? Why did he run and hide like a coward instead of facing the police like a man?
If he is innocent, he has nothing to fear. If he is guilty, let him face up to it and pay the price.
Just, please, don't get carried away again. After all, he's just another man, despite all his fame and fortune.
GENE WESLEY
Virginia Beach, June 18, 1994
\ by CNB