5 Most Famous Athlete Murder Trials

With the ongoing trial of Oscar Pistorius unfolding in front of our eyes, it got us thinking about other high-profile murder cases in which athletes were involved. Their fame, fortune and the former adoration from the public for their skills in their sports mean that these 5 trials were publicised around the world.

1. OJ Simpson, , Not only one of the most famous sports trials of all time, it is probably one of the most famous trials in history. Though O.J Simpson was one of the greatest pro-football running backs in the game, he will forever be remembered for his involvement in the murders of Ron Goldman and Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson. In 1994, Simpson was charged with the murders of both individuals and embarked on a controversial trial that would captivate the media and the world. Simpson was eventually acquitted of the murders. 10 years later Simpson was sent to prison where he is still serving time for kidnapping and armed robbery.

2. Oscar Pistorius, , This trial is ongoing as the world’s media reports on every detail waiting to see what the final judgement will be. South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is on trial for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp who was shot at his home on Valentine’s Day last year. Pistorius does not dispute that he shot her but has pleaded “Not Guilty” to murder claiming he thought it was an intruder. The trial continues.

3. Robert Rozier, , This former pro-football player of the St Louis Cardinals hit the news when he became involved in a black supremacist cult, The Brotherhood founded by Yahweh Ben Yahweh. Rozier admitted to killing seven white people to please Yahweh who required his followers to “kill a white devil”. Rozier served 10 years of his 22 year sentence then was put in the witness protection programme. He was later arrested again for Kit Checking where under the Third Strike Law he was sentenced to 25 years.

4. Mike Tyson, , Though this was not a murder trial, his degree of fame and the publicising of the trial means that it had to make our list. In 1992, Mike Tyson was convicted of rape and ending up spending 3 years in prison. At the time of the conviction, Mike Tyson was at the top of his game.

5. Rubin Carter, , In 1966, professional middle-weight boxer Rubin Carter was arrested in connection with a triple murder in a trial that is regarded as one of the most publicised wrongful convictions in US history. Carter was convicted twice in a case that hinged on two witnesses’ evidence who later came out had been given reduced sentences and money for their cooperation. In 1985, the ruling was overturned and Carter was released from prison.

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