On the Couch : By Dr. Richard Lustberg

An Analysis of Current Topics and Issues in Sport
September 1995

Aftermath of the Simpson Verdict

It is November and the leaves are turning color in celebration of fall. If you are a New York sports fan, you may still be mourning the Yankees’ loss in the playoffs and the dismal Jets’ season. And we are certainly still digesting the after-effects of the O.J. Simpson trial with many questions, issues and future directions yet unanswered. The deep psychological and emotional hold it has had on us as a nation is evident to all.

By now, the public, press, so-called experts, Congress and even the President have reacted to the murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman, the subsequent trial and the acquittal of Simpson. Feelings of rage, anger, despair, elation, satisfaction and hopelessness have been expressed on radio, television and in the print media.

The trial and its aftermath have affected us all in some way. Perhaps there are no clear solutions or answers to the lingering feelings and concerns we have about this case. It has been my experience in dealing with patients that people often have a great deal of difficulty with problems or situations that have no clear solutions or answers.

When this occurs, they often try to impose solutions – no matter how implausible. These are really attempts to stabilize themselves. Mistaken assumptions are made in thinking that others tacitly agree with them, or think as they do. They cannot understand, that given the indisputable correctness and righteousness of their position, how somebody else cannot see the light. Myopic homogenization is adopted in order to minimize emotional discomfort. This often leads people to take strong dogmatic positions, as has been the case. It may also contribute to the racial divisiveness that exists in this country, which is also based in part on fears and cognitive misinterpretations.

In analyzing the acquittal verdict in the Simpson case and the racial issue, it is important to understand that all members of the jury, including alternates, were chosen carefully on the basis of race and an understanding that their life’s experiences walked into the courtroom each day-and certainly into the room where the acquittal was reached. Were they subconsciously unable to topple a black man who had achieved in a white society? Were they unable to convict and then return to their communities after destroying not only an icon, but a black icon? Did they want to return to their families and friends as heroes who avenged every black family where a son was offered as a sacrifice to a corrupt legal system?

One thing is certain. The seeds of this case were sowed long before the event and its outcome. We have become a society that values image over substance; wealth and style over decency and moral values. Extrinsic values of fame and fortune have become the American dream. This has contributed to an idealization and overglamorization of star athletes, actors, models and rock stars. The need to fulfill immediate psychological and emotional needs supersedes sacrifice, patience and reasonable goals, and has produced a society in disarray – a society that spends countless millions on sports, sports figures and entertainment when our inner cities wallow in squalor. How can we explain the masses who stood cheering Simpson on the football field, as well as on the Los Angeles freeway before his trial?

Sport has a strong grasp on us. It is a place where people can experience and express feelings that support and assist psychological survival. Whether cathartic or escapist, whether it allows for displacement or projection, the expression of intense emotions in this venue is extremely powerful and binding.

In this manner, we have produced Mike Tyson, Tonya Harding and Simpson. In Simpson’s case, he was able to use his millions to "beat the system." Simpson was elevated to icon status as a result of achieving touchdowns on a football field and acting in movies and commercials. Racial pride? Projection of ourselves? Maybe somewhat, but more so emotional and psychic survival. How else are we to explain this insanity?

In the case of Simpson, if he did commit the crime, it is more than likely that he has either convinced himself of justification of his actions or has denied his guilt to himself. Abusers frequently feel justified in their actions in that they feel their spouse acted wrongfully, often making misinterpretations about their victim’s actions. They often feel betrayed and become highly suspicious. As a controlling individual who, on the surface, appears to be self-assured, suave and debonair, this type of personality is really quite insecure and frightened. He fears his life will move beyond his control. This leads to feelings of vulnerability, which can then lead to intense emotional outbursts, and the kind of explosiveness we heard in the famous 911 tapes after Simpson allegedly beat his wife. Controlling, vulnerable, suspicious (bordering on paranoia) and feeling justified in his actions, all acted out and displayed in the apparent stalking, beatings and abuse. Throw in some depression and it’s all right there, a sure recipe for a potential murder.

By all accounts, Simpson is a man concerned with his public image and perhaps an underlying belief that in our desire to embrace and iconize, we will eventually forgive or exonerate him and apologize for daring to accuse him of this heinous crime. Behavioral psychologists exhort that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Can you blame Simpson based upon his past experience?

The complicated issues and problems that have surfaced as a result of the Simpson Trial are of serious concern to our nation, as are the issues and problems that have arisen in the world of sport. They are clearly connected. Do we want to continue to make decisions based upon reactive feelings, or do we want to make more objective, informed choices? As a psychologist, I am well aware of how painful change can be, as people often remain in intensely unhappy positions, because they are frightened of what change will bring. I hope that is not going to be the case for our society as a whole.