30 FOR 30: JUNE 17TH, 1994 (TV)
Summary
One in this series of sports documentaries presented by ESPN about important people and events from 1979 to 2009.
This documentary presents footage of various sports and news coverage from June 17th, 1994, occurring simultaneously with the events surrounding O.J. Simpson, particularly his low-speed vehicular police chase on Interstate 405. News footage is shown of the days leading up to the date in question, involving the discovery of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman on June 13th and the increasing media attention surrounding Simpson. Other footage is shown, including clips from the NHL Finals and subsequent riot in Vancouver on June 14th, the fourth game of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets on June 15th, and the first round of the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania on June 16th. Footage from June 17th begins with some clips from the media encampment around the Simpson estate in Brentwood, California at 8:23 AM. At 9:07 AM, round two of the U.S. Open continues in Oakmont, and the attention of the media is centered around Arnold Palmer in what ends up being his last round of professional golf. At 10:17 AM in New York City, the New York Rangers take part in a victory parade to celebrate their win over the Canucks. At 11:09 AM, it is reported that murder charges have officially been filed against Simpson. Simpson leaves his estate, ostensibly to turn himself in to the police. Many news outlets report on the events as they unfold, often uncertain of what precisely is happening.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Illinois, the opening ceremony of the World Cup is already in progress at 12:47 PM, officiated by President Bill Clinton. Back in Los Angeles, the LAPD headquarters is issued a bomb threat and special squads are called in to investigate. In the confusion, it is reported that Simpson’s whereabouts are unknown. At 1:55 PM, a press conference is held by LAPD spokesman Commander David Gascon, announcing that the LAPD is actively searching for Simpson after his failure to appear and turn himself in. The LAPD fields numerous questions from the media, who grow increasingly fixated on the unpredictable events unfolding before them. At 2:24 PM, coverage of the U.S. Open continues and Palmer struggles to stay in the game. In New York, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani officiates over the ceremony congratulating the Rangers on their victory. Footage is shown of interviews with the extremely excited crowd at the parade; their excitement partially stems from the fact that their victory represents the first Stanley Cup win for the Rangers since 1940.
By 3:14 PM, a horde of newscasters have gathered around the estates of Simpson and his deceased ex-wife, following the rumor that Simpson would arrive at the latter. He does not appear, and many news outlets and interviews on the street report “shock” at the unfolding events. Palmer plays his final hole and is interviewed thereafter, demonstrating a great deal of emotion. As the various sporting events play out across the country, sportscasters increasingly mention the continuing situation with Simpson. At 5:07 PM, Simpson’s lawyer Robert Shapiro holds a press conference and has Simpson’s friend Robert Kardashian read a letter penned by Simpson pleading to be left alone by the press; the tone of the letter suggests that it is a suicide note. At 7:35 PM the fifth game of the NBA finals begins, and recorded audio from the sportscasters during a commercial break reveal that they choose to continue coverage of the game rather than interrupting it to focus on Simpson.
Simpson is found by police helicopters, driving a white Ford Bronco on Interstate 405. The driver of the car, Al Cowlings, phones the police and reports that Simpson is threatening to kill himself. Bob Costas reports from the NBA Finals and acknowledges the situation with Simpson, explaining NBC’s reasoning for continuing to cover the game. Audio of a police conversation with Simpson via cell phone during the vehicular chase is played. The NBA Finals broadcast is cut briefly for coverage of the Bronco chase, and returns in the midst of an argument between both teams concerning a foul call. Halftime coverage goes back over to the car chase; at this point bystanders line up about the freeway to wave to Simpson as he passes. Several news outlets bring in experts or friends of Simpson who express their belief that his behavior indicates that he is guilty of the crimes he is accused of.
As Simpson nears his destination, his fans turn up in droves with improvised signs to offer their support, along with many other interested onlookers. The Bronco pulls into the driveway, and both Simpson and Cowlings remain inside as the police surround the vehicle. An argument erupts between Cowlings and Simpson, overheard by the police. At 8:15 PM, the doors to the Bronco open and Cowlings emerges briefly, yelling at the police. The sun goes down and communication becomes difficult due to the large numbers of helicopters in the sky surrounding the house. Much of the footage covering sporting events has by this point redirected itself to focus on Simpson instead. The police cordon off the area, and by 9:17 PM Simpson exits the vehicle and is taken into custody by the police. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: ESPN
- DATE: June 16, 2010 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:54:30
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 114719
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries; Sports
- SUBJECT HEADING: African-American Collection - Sports; African-American Collection - News/Talk; TV - Public affairs/documentaries; TV - Sports
- SERIES RUN: ESPN - TV series, 2009-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Keith Clinkscales … Executive Producer
- John Dahl … Executive Producer
- Joan Lynch … Executive Producer
- Connor Schell … Executive Producer
- John Skipper … Executive Producer
- Bill Simmons … Executive Producer
- John Walsh … Executive Producer
- Brett Morgen … Producer, Director
- Mark Durand … Producer
- Keith Malone … Co-Producer
- Libby Geist … Associate Producer
- Mike Tollin … Consulting Producer
- Jeff Danna … Music by
- Fletcher Beasley … Music by
- Bill Clinton
- Bob Costas
- Al Cowlings
- David Gascon
- Randolph Giuliani
- Ronald Goldman
- Robert Kardashian
- Arnold Palmer
- Robert` Shapiro
- Nicole Brown Simpson
- O.J. Simpson