O.J. Simpson’s Heisman Trophy, golf clubs, high-end sport utility vehicles and even his driver’s license will soon be sold to pay off debts owed after the infamous football star’s death.
A Nevada probate judge on Friday agreed to a proposal by legal representatives for the Simpson estate to auction off “unique and compelling” personal property, according to attorneys representing the estate. It’s unclear how much money the auction will raise, but it is intended to help pay some of the civil claims from the family of murder victim Ron Goldman.
Thomas Grover, represented by attorney Malcolm Lavigne of the Simpson estate, said the estate had “quickly begun the process of auctioning the items.”
The action comes just a day after Fred Goldman, the father of slain waiter Ron Goldman, filed a creditor’s claim against Simpson’s estate in Clark County District Court $117 million.
Michaelle Rafferty, Goldman Sachs’ chief lawyer, said the Goldman Sachs family had no objections to the auction.
“We hope that Mr. Lavigne will be able to use a reputable auction house and that the funds will come back to the estate,” Rafferty said Friday afternoon.
Both sides are expected to return to court next month.
In 1997, Ron Goldman’s family won a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Simpson that found him guilty of murdering Goldman and Simpson ‘s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson is responsible. The family was initially awarded $8.5 million in damages.
A jury later awarded $25 million in punitive damages to Nicole Brown Simpson and members of the Goldman Sachs family.
In October 1995, Simpson was acquitted in a double-murder criminal case known as the “trial of the century,” followed by a civil victory.
Simpson, 76, died of prostate cancer in April.
Fred Goldman and daughter Kim lamented that “the real responsibility has ended” for Simpson’s death. However, Fred Goldman continued to pursue civil collections.
Lavigne was initially hostile to the idea of paying back the civil judgment, telling las vegas review magazine In an interview two days after Simpson’s death, the Goldman family would “get zero, nothing.” “As executor or personal representative, I will do whatever it takes to make sure they get nothing,” he said.
However, Lavigne softened her stance, vowing to “handle this matter calmly and calmly” in an interview with The Times.
Lavigne’s withdrawal did not surprise Rafferty.
“With death, things change dramatically,” she said. “Mr. Lavigne personally represents his client and it is now a matter of estates, proceedings and addressing creditors.
Court documents from 2015 show the family has been awarded about $132,000 of the total settlement.
The $117 million claim includes three updated judgments against Simpson in 2015, 2016 and 2022, plus interest. The statutory interest from June 3, 2022 to July 25, 2024 alone is an additional $20.7 million. Goldman Sachs also claimed that daily interest accrual was at least $16,638.73.
It’s unclear what type of memorabilia or property remains on Simpson’s property.
Rafferty said she has not yet received an inventory list from Lavigne and does not know how much money the Goldman family will ultimately receive.
She said Lavigne was obliged to give notice of the proposed auction house, assets and opening price.
“We will consider it carefully and have two weeks to object,” she said.
