The Chase:

I still remember sitting in class when the OJ verdict was announced.  We didn't all carry around our phones then, but so many of us were glued to the television when we had the chance.  I remember my teacher taking a break, leaving, then returning to tell the jury's decision.  Living on the East Coast, it was in the middle of afternoon.  Our teacher ended class after telling us and most of us shuffled into the hall to discuss.

Sadly, one of the lasting lessons doesn't seem to be about domestic violence, racist cops or the power of celebrity.  It certainly doesn't seem to be about the two innocent victims who were brutally murdered.  The legacy seems to be more about chasing, and not just white Bronco's.  It's about chasing fame and grabbing that elusive 15 minutes, no matter how grotesque the circumstances. 

CNN, learning nothing from the past, went to solid coverage after the news of the double murders death. After a quick nod to the victims, they went straight to the impact of the case.  I quickly turned the channel.  Later that night, while catching a bit of the late local news, and interesting story grabbed my attention.  It began listing the many people who used the tragedy to grab their 15  minutes, and  any cash that came along with it.

The most notorious face, and example of cashing in has to be Kato Kaelin.  Even his Playgirl spread is all about Hollywood and Fame.   He's certainly not the only one though, Faye Resnick also graced the cover of Playboy and many others took their shot.  The biggest, and most reprehensible culprit had to be cable news, who made media stars out of hundreds of hosts, commentators and lawyers who went on TV during the trial to share their thoughts and opinions. 

Looking back on Kaelin's January 1996 Playgirl appearance, I have to wonder how much they paid him to take off his shirt and open the top two buttons on his jeans.  Too much I'm guessing.  After quickly scanning the issue, Kaelin's layout was the least interesting part of the magazine. Since this FH, I couldn't let my research be a total waste...😊   There was a model however, who should have, and I'm guessing was originally was planned, as the issues cover model.  Check him out on the NEXT PAGE HERE: