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O.J. Simpson'sHeisman Trophy is set to be auctioned as part of efforts to settle the financial demands on his estate.
O.J. Simpson's memorabilia set to go up for auction
Simpson's attorney Malcolm LaVergne, has initiated legal proceedings to fast track the sale of the former NFL star's personal property, as Ron Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, continues to seek a $117 million judgment from the estate.
Court documents reveal that LaVergne has been in discussions with various auction houses regarding the sale of Simpson's memorabilia.
He has requested court approval to sell Simpson's"unique and high-profile personal property" through these auction houses without the usual requirement for court confirmation, aiming to maximize the estate's value for creditors and interested parties.
Simpson, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 76, left behind significant debts.
His family announced his death, stating, "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren."
Fred Goldman, whose son Ron was murdered alongside Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994, expressed his ongoing grief following Simpson's death.
"The only thing I have to say is it's just a further reminder of Ron being gone all these years," he told NBC News.
"It's no great loss to the world. It's a further reminder of Ron's being gone."
Goldman pursuing $117 million from interests
In the aftermath of Simpson's death, LaVergne filed a petition to be named the administrator of the estate, citing that Simpson's children were the beneficiaries of his will.
Despite being acquitted of murder charges in the criminal trial, Simpson was found liable in a civil suit and ordered to pay $33.5 million to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
This judgment has since increased significantly with interest.
Over the years, Fred Goldman has persistently attempted to claim Simpson's assets to fulfill the judgment, largely without success.
Recently, he filed a $117 million creditor's claim against Simpson's estate, noting that the original judgment amount has swelled with interest over the years.
LaVergne has indicated that several of Simpson's personal items, including a Heisman Trophy, golf clubs, a vehicle, and even his driver's license, could attract significant public interest and therefore be valuable assets to auction.
However, the authenticity of the Heisman Trophy, whether it is the original or a replica, remains unclear.
Simpson, celebrated as one of football's greatest running backs, won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 after a record-setting season at USC.
His illustrious career saw him becoming the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season and later transitioning to roles in television and broadcasting.
A judge has yet to rule on LaVergne's petition to sell Simpson's property, as the legal process to address the financial claims against the estate continues.