A longtime friend O.J. Simpson is claiming that the former pro football player was really suffering about 2 weeks before his cancer-related death. Simpson’s friend, whom he was convicted of robbing, says, “He was really not feeling well,” and thought he would soon get better.
RELATED: O.J. Simpson Passes Away At At Age 76, Family Says
As we previously shared, on Wednesday (April 10), former NFL star O.J. Simpson died at age 76 after a battle with prostate cancer. His family broke the news via social media.
Taking to the former pro football star’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), the Simpson Family wrote, “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
RELATED: O.J. Simpson ‘Died Without Confessing His Sins,’ Attorney For Ron Goldman’s Family Says
On Saturday (April 13), Bruce Fromong, owner of the PSA-JSA memorabilia company and an old friend of O.J. Simpson, told PEOPLE that about a week and a half before his death, his friend was forced to cancel a pre-scheduled event because he was “really not feeling well.” Fromong claimed he hired Simpson to do an autograph signing, but he had to cancel last minute due to his health. Despite his condition, the retired NFL player reportedly thought he would soon get better.
Fromong claimed Simpson told him, “Nah, I just give me a little bit of time. Let me get to feeling better.” Fromong said, “That meant he was really not feeling well.” Before this, Fromong initially thought Simpson was simply battling something minor like “a cold or flu, adding, “We thought he was getting better, and he was not.”
RELATED: Ron Goldman’s Father Says O.J. Simpson’s Death Is Only A Reminder Of ‘How Long He Has Been Gone’
Fromong continued to say that Simpson’s appearance was also deceiving because he honestly “looked fine” when he saw him at the Aliante Golf Club just a few months before his cancer death. Supporting Fromong’s statement are paparazzi photos of Simpson from back in February. At the time, the father of five, appeared upbeat and lively while in the streets of Las Vegas, where he reportedly ditched his cane to walk around Sin City.
Before Simpson’s death, Fromong said that he last reached out to his dear old friend on Tuesday (April 9). He sent a text message that read, “Hey old buddy, hope you get to feeling better, and we’ll talk soon.” However, he never got a response back.
RELATED: O.J. Simpson Reportedly Made Friends And Family Sign NDAs To Visit Him During Final Days
It’s reported that O.J. Simpson and Bruce Fromong had a complicated relationship that included Simpson going to jail for stealing from him. Although Simpson was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and 25-year-old waiter Ron Goldman, he did serve time for once robbing Fromong.
In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery related to a dispute over sports memorabilia. He robbed Fromong in a Las Vegas hotel room back in 2007. Simpson served nine years in prison for his crimes and was released in 2017.
RELATED: O.J. Simpson Reportedly ‘Ran A Ring Of All-Cash Business Deals’ To Hide Judgment Money Owed To Families Of Nicole Brown Simpson And Ron Goldman
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