O.J. Simpson is dead, but his debts are still alive and threatening to become a massive problem for the people he left behind.
The late athlete, born Orenthal James Simpson, has multiple creditors to repay, and the executor of his estate is desperately trying to forage for funds. However, he claims there is "strong resistance" to his efforts.
O.J. Simpson was one of the most celebrated running backs in the NFL, but his criminal case overshadowed his achievements. He was acquitted of the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994.
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O.J. Simpson's Estate Executor Wants His 'Forever' Las Vegas Home
Simpson's longtime lawyer and probate estate executor, Malcolm LaVergne, recently lamented about the messy debts he has to deal with. He revealed he needed millions to settle his late client's obligations, and the first step involved one of his homes.
LaVergne explained he was trying to bring in over $269,000 from the deceased's "forever" home in Las Vegas and might have to butt heads with his son, Justin, to get it. The 76-year-old's son reportedly helped him purchase the property in 2022.
Simpson's lawyer estimated he put about $159K into the home; however, the property was now worth over $100K more than when it was purchased. On that note, LaVergne argued that the equity and the amount his late client put into the home belonged to his estate.
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LaVergne told TMZ that getting the Las Vegas property was a small step in resolving Simpson's debts. There was still the over $30 million judgment for his murder case and massive tax lien.
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Inside Simpson's Massive Debts
Although he was acquitted of the murders of his former wife and her pal, Simpson was ordered to pay the victims' families $33.5 million as he was later found liable. Because he failed to settle the debt in 1997, the interest on the judgment has reportedly increased the bill to around $100 million.
If that wasn't bad enough, the State of California recently slammed Simpson's estate with a $500K tax lien. These mounting debts, per the executor, made the estate "virtually worthless" at this point.
LaVergne stressed that he desperately searched for ways to fund the estate and pay back creditors like the IRS, the California Tax Board, and the grieving Goldman family. However, he allegedly faced resistance to his efforts.
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Who Is Fighting Against The Executor's Plans?
Simpson's estate executor expressed disappointment over clearing his client's debts, claiming he faced "strong resistance" to his efforts to collect and liquidate his late client's property.
It is unclear if the resistance came from Simpson's family; however, LaVergne noted he would get tough on everyone, including them. He seemingly hinted at shady incidents behind the scenes, noting personal belongings had gone missing.
LaVergne explained that he has been trying to find Simpson's Pro Football Hall of Fame ring and a fancy Rolex, which allegedly went missing after his death. "It belongs to the estate, and I want it placed at my feet," he declared, clearly upset about the situation.
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Simpson's Belongings May End Up On The Auction Block
Simpson's debts might become a favorable situation for his fans as his personal items could end up at auction. LaVergne revealed he was seeking permission to sell his late client's belongings to raise money for the estate.
If he does find Simpson's Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, the prestigious jewelry might also be sold to a lucky NFL fan. This wasn't the first time LaVergne had shared candid information about the former athlete.
Following Simpson's death from prostate cancer in April, The Blastreported his longtime lawyer had debunked the viral claims about his final moments. Initial reports alleged the 76-year-old's loved ones had been by his side, but LaVergne stressed they weren't.
O.J. Simpson's Children Didn't Witness His Last Moments
According to LaVergne, Simpson's children and grandchildren were not by his side when he took his final breath. Instead, the 76-year-old passed away in the presence of a "close family member," who the estate executor refused to identify.
Although they couldn't be next to him in his last moments, LaVergne stressed that it didn't diminish the love between the father and his children. "You have to remember that they've shared O.J. with the world their entire lives," he noted, adding:
"At first, they shared good O.J. But still he was famous. And then, in 1994 on, they kind of had to share bad boy O.J. with the world. But at the end of the day, these children just lost a father."
Hopefully, O.J. Simpson's estate executor and his family can work together to erase his massive debts.
