Is the NYT Crossword Making Subtle Editorial Comments?
One of the few pleasures of the freelance writer lifestyle (apart from my manservant and the massive offshore holdings I've accrued) is that it gives me the freedom do the NYT crossword each and every day. Or, at least, to try to do it. But something in today's puzzle stopped me cold.
The clue for 37 Across is "Fresh-squeezed ex-football star/pitchman?"
The answer is, of course, O.J. Simpson, famed running back for the Buffalo Bills and former Hertz spokesperson.
Casual mentions of OJ have been taboo for a while. Is Will Shortz, the puzzle editor, making some kind of veiled statement that it's acceptable to, once again, refer to OJ without any mention of that minor criminal matter he went through a few years back? I suppose adding "alleged wife killer" to the clue is a little grisly for the early-morning crossword crowd....Not to mention, way too easy for a mid-week puzzle .
