A bible given to OJ Simpson by his former lawyer Robert Kardashian Sr was sold last week. A reported bid by Kim Kardashian, Robert’s daughter, failed to secure the book, which finally sold for over $80,000.
OJ Simpson died in April last year. An outstandingly successful American footballer and latterly actor and media personality, in 1994 he was charged with murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.
In a trial that was a global sensation, Simpson was acquitted with the help of a legal team that included Robert Kardashian Sr.
Simpson’s estate has been up for sale, and this week the bible gifted by Kardashian to Simpson sold for $65,800, just over $80,000 with buyer’s premium.
Inside the holy book was an inscription from Kardashian: “OJ, this book will help. God loves you and he will speak to you with his words. Read this book every day. God has a definite plan for your life. You are His child and He will use you again. I love you and God loves you. – Robert.”
OJ Simpson in 1990 before he became one of the most notorious accused killers in modern history.
Before the item went to online sale, Kim Kardashian reportedly bid $15,000 for it.
The auction ended with a 14-bid flurry on Sunday that saw an unnamed buyer win the bible.
Kim Kardashian’s bid came too late to be considered, according to lawyers for the Simpson family.
Among the other items sold was Simpson’s “1974 Vince Lombardi Award Trophy for Rushing Record 2,003 Yards”.
It realised $10,370 with buyer’s premium.
As a comparison, the 1982 Super Bowl most valuable player award awarded to Joe Montana in 1982 realised $16,800 (with premium) in 2023.
Reputation is an important factor in demand for collectibles.
OJ Simpson was undoubtedly one of the greatest NFL players of all time. But to several generations he is now most remembered as an accused murderer. He was jailed for kidnap and armed robbery and was found liable for the “wrongful deaths” of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman in a civil case.
