OJ Simpson's trophy
Tom Kriessman of Philadelphia poses February 18 with the Heisman Trophy once owned by O.J. Simpson, which Kriessman bought at auction for $230,000 plus auction fees. Reuters/SSM/HB/JDP

Los Angeles police have recovered a copy of O.J. Simpson’s Heisman Trophy, which was stolen from the University of Southern California over 20 years ago, authorities said Tuesday. The trophy, which was a replica of the highest award in college football, reportedly went missing in July 1994.

LAPD detectives reportedly obtained the missing trophy on Dec. 16 but only made the revelation on Tuesday. Police reportedly said that details of the theft would not be released as the investigation is still underway. Simpson’s Heisman, along with a USC football jersey worn by him, were stolen from display cases of the school’s athletic department. The trophy was reportedly given to the university in 1968, following Simpson's performance as the school's running back.

Last month, detectives sought a search warrant to examine the phone records of an unidentified person, who they believed was linked to the theft, The Los Angeles Times reported. Police reportedly suspected the involvement of two people in the theft, but it was unclear if they were identified by police.

At the time of the theft, Simpson was awaiting trial for the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman in Los Angeles. The former football star reportedly sold off his copy of the Heisman to pay for legal fees. That trophy is currently owned by a Pennsylvania steel wholesaler, according to The Washington Post.

Simpson, who was acquitted in the case in 1995, is now in a Nevada prison after being convicted for a 2008 armed robbery, according to Reuters.

RELATED STORIES