Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos?

SC Skins Fan · 06-28-2011, 11:26 AM

Long time, no post. But I recently was on Redskins.com and scanning their (generally grossly overpriced) memorabilia section and came across a listing for a Sean Taylor autographed game ball. They only had one and it was reasonably priced. I thought by purchasing direct from Redskins.com (or at least their authorized third-party vender) I could be assured of authenticity. I received the ball yesterday and, while the ball itself is certainly legit, the autograph looks absolutely horrible. It looks nothing like, or even close to, any other Taylor autograph I have seen, and really nothing like the picture they had posted on Redskins.com. I posted the item on eBay just so I could submit it to PSA/DNA for a QuickOpinion (rather than going through the whole process of sending it in) but they just came back with a response "need a better picture" (which seems like a punt, because there are really large images available). Anyway, I am posting here for a few reasons.

1) Responses? Am I correct in thinking that this example looks like an awful forgery?

2) Thoughts? My reaction right now is to try to return and get my money back, but I also want to do something else. Contact Redskins PR and/or the Washington Post to alert them that the Redskins online store is selling very dubious Sean Taylor merchandise.

3) Just to warn others that these practices are occurring, even through the Redskins official website.

Redskins.com Ball (click thumbs for larger)

Legit Examples
(Full Sig)

(Initial Sig)

Leader In Sports · 06-28-2011, 11:32 AM

Before you complain, you would be much better served actually having the ball examined in person by a third party authenticator. The second weekend in July is the Chantilly show (Collectors' Showcase of America) and they generally have the authenticators there in person so you can avoid shipping charges etc.

If the ball comes back legit, then you have some extra documentation and piece of mind. If it doesn't I would contact the third party vendor and ask for all of your funds including the authentication cost.

SC Skins Fan · 06-28-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leader In Sports

Before you complain, you would be much better served actually having the ball examined in person by a third party authenticator. The second weekend in July is the Chantilly show (Collectors' Showcase of America) and they generally have the authenticators there in person so you can avoid shipping charges etc.

If the ball comes back legit, then you have some extra documentation and piece of mind. If it doesn't I would contact the third party vendor and ask for all of your funds including the authentication cost.

Thanks a lot. That would be a good option, except I am down in South Carolina. I might have to go through the process of sending it to PSA/DNA. My other concern is that the return policy at Redskins.com is "no returns after 30 days." Believe me, I really wanted this item to be legit, and I definitely understand where you are coming from as someone who deals in the memorabilia trade, but I'm pretty concerned about this piece. I was excited for a week to get it, but it just looks so bad. By the way, I have a few things signed through events you have done at the Card Cellar in F'Burg, and they are all legit : )

Thanks for the advice.

Leader In Sports · 06-28-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC Skins Fan

Thanks a lot. That would be a good option, except I am down in South Carolina. I might have to go through the process of sending it to PSA/DNA. My other concern is that the return policy at Redskins.com is "no returns after 30 days." Believe me, I really wanted this item to be legit, and I definitely understand where you are coming from as someone who deals in the memorabilia trade, but I'm pretty concerned about this piece. I was excited for a week to get it, but it just looks so bad. By the way, I have a few things signed through events you have done at the Card Cellar in F'Burg, and they are all legit : )

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the good words. Remind me to send you a bikini calendar when the 2012 edition comes out the end of July.

I would think that if you are able to document the autograph is a fake, then they would take a return even after 30 days. I assume you paid with your credit card? If so, if the ball comes back as a bad sig, then you have recourse that way. Send it to PSA or JSA and go from there. I do have one more suggestion. I know JSA does "appearances" at different shops. Perhaps you can call them to see if they are doing any near you.

Monkeydad · 06-28-2011, 01:05 PM

Great advice^.

I'd say you're just worrying too much and also state that sometimes players are rushed and some signatures look sloppier than others, but that REALLY does not resemble his autograph, so I'd be worried too. All I've seen look more like the second one you posted from the jersey and the photo.

Monkeydad · 06-28-2011, 01:14 PM

No COA included? That could be reason enough to return it since the sig doesn't look up to par. Maybe you could then find another somewhere else with proof and a proper-looking signature. Yes, he could have signed it...but it doesn't look like a ST signature should. Sounds petty and picky, especially since Sean is no longer signing obviously, but if you pay that much for it, you should enjoy looking at it...not wondering if it were real or wishing it looked better. I say if you're not happy with the purchase, return it.

SC Skins Fan · 06-28-2011, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

No COA included? That could be reason enough to return it since the sig doesn't look up to par. Maybe you could then find another somewhere else with proof and a proper-looking signature. Yes, he could have signed it...but it doesn't look like a ST signature should. Sounds petty and picky, especially since Sean is no longer signing obviously, but if you pay that much for it, you should enjoy looking at it...not wondering if it were real or wishing it looked better. I say if you're not happy with the purchase, return it.

I mean, a COA is what it is. I could make up a nice piece of paper that says an autograph is legitimate and sign it, etc. It is all about the credibility of the issuing party. If it comes direct from the Redskins, then that would pull some weight. Similarly NFL.com or PSA/DNA (or Leader in Sports or PSGameGear). I didn't pay $499 either, because I'm not totally nuts, they had it listed for $199 (perhaps a flag in and of itself), but I was going with the "if it comes from Redskins.com it has to be legit" rational when I hit the "confirm purchase" button. Thanks for the feedback. Now I'm just working to get through the "All Memorabilia purchases final (even if the auto is bogus)" policy at Redskins.com.

tryfuhl · 07-03-2011, 06:42 PM

Good luck, the first thing that threw it off for me was I recalled most ST autos having a loop at the bottom of the 2 in "21"

after google imaging some stuff, seems like he's done it both ways? I don't really know

see if you can find other footballs as the space shape/confines may dictate how he signs it

Hoagie1980 · 07-06-2011, 12:53 PM

That autograph is an authentic Fred Smoot. They must have seen the "21" and just assumed it was Taylor. Also, both pics of the authentic Taylor autographs are mine (just bragging).

SC Skins Fan · 07-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoagie1980

That autograph is an authentic Fred Smoot. They must have seen the "21" and just assumed it was Taylor. Also, both pics of the authentic Taylor autographs are mine (just bragging).

That's good info on the Smoot. Any idea why he would have signed 21 on a 2007 ball though? Just reverting to a 2004 sig? Wasn't he also 27 in Minnesota? Dosen't make much sense. Clearly not a Taylor, that's all I know. Anyway, Skins.com is refunding.

Hoagie1980 · 07-06-2011, 01:25 PM

Not sure why he would put 21 on an 07 ball unless it's an older ball that they had mistaken for an 07 one. He wore 21 and 27 in Minnesota. not sure when but I saw pics on Google just now to verify.

SC Skins Fan · 07-06-2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoagie1980

Not sure why he would put 21 on an 07 ball unless it's an older ball that they had mistaken for an 07 one. He wore 21 and 27 in Minnesota. not sure when but I saw pics on Google just now to verify.

Yeah, I looked too. Seems like it may be a Smoot auto. It is def a 2007 ball though. It is "The Duke" with Goodell sig with gold NFL Shield. It is the old shield before they switched to eight stars. Pretty sure they only used that in 2007-2008, and then switched to new shield in 2009 (maybe even in 2008, can't remember precisely) long after Smoot wore 21 anyway.

Monkeydad · 07-08-2011, 10:50 AM

SMOOT Autograph:

Source - Amazon.com: Fred Smoot Autographed Football - COA - Autographed Footballs: Sports & Outdoors

YOURS:

Monkeydad · 07-08-2011, 10:51 AM

They DEFINITELY gave you a Smoot ball for a Taylor price. Return that ball ASAP. Use my link as backup when you talk to them.

kali3 · 08-29-2011, 04:06 PM

When it doubt send it back. I collect too and the most important thing is to be 100% comfortable with the items you have.

If you are not sure or if it bothers you send it back and get your money back. If they sent you the wrong ball then they owe you the right one IMHO.

06-28-2011, 11:26 AM	#1
SC Skins Fan The Starter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,555	Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? Long time, no post. But I recently was on Redskins.com and scanning their (generally grossly overpriced) memorabilia section and came across a listing for a Sean Taylor autographed game ball. They only had one and it was reasonably priced. I thought by purchasing direct from Redskins.com (or at least their authorized third-party vender) I could be assured of authenticity. I received the ball yesterday and, while the ball itself is certainly legit, the autograph looks absolutely horrible. It looks nothing like, or even close to, any other Taylor autograph I have seen, and really nothing like the picture they had posted on Redskins.com. I posted the item on eBay just so I could submit it to PSA/DNA for a QuickOpinion (rather than going through the whole process of sending it in) but they just came back with a response "need a better picture" (which seems like a punt, because there are really large images available). Anyway, I am posting here for a few reasons. 1) Responses? Am I correct in thinking that this example looks like an awful forgery? 2) Thoughts? My reaction right now is to try to return and get my money back, but I also want to do something else. Contact Redskins PR and/or the Washington Post to alert them that the Redskins online store is selling very dubious Sean Taylor merchandise. 3) Just to warn others that these practices are occurring, even through the Redskins official website. Redskins.com Ball (click thumbs for larger) Legit Examples (Full Sig) (Initial Sig) __________________ It has taken a long time, but I have finally realized that nothing I say about the Redskins will have any effect upon anything the Redskins do.

06-28-2011, 11:32 AM	#2
Leader In Sports Special Teams Join Date: May 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 385	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? Before you complain, you would be much better served actually having the ball examined in person by a third party authenticator. The second weekend in July is the Chantilly show (Collectors' Showcase of America) and they generally have the authenticators there in person so you can avoid shipping charges etc. If the ball comes back legit, then you have some extra documentation and piece of mind. If it doesn't I would contact the third party vendor and ask for all of your funds including the authentication cost. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/LeaderInSports

06-28-2011, 01:05 PM	#5
Monkeydad Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Age: 45 Posts: 17,460	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? Great advice^. I'd say you're just worrying too much and also state that sometimes players are rushed and some signatures look sloppier than others, but that REALLY does not resemble his autograph, so I'd be worried too. All I've seen look more like the second one you posted from the jersey and the photo. __________________ Not sent from a Droid, iPhone, Blackberry or toaster

06-28-2011, 01:14 PM	#6
Monkeydad Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Age: 45 Posts: 17,460	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? No COA included? That could be reason enough to return it since the sig doesn't look up to par. Maybe you could then find another somewhere else with proof and a proper-looking signature. Yes, he could have signed it...but it doesn't look like a ST signature should. Sounds petty and picky, especially since Sean is no longer signing obviously, but if you pay that much for it, you should enjoy looking at it...not wondering if it were real or wishing it looked better. I say if you're not happy with the purchase, return it. __________________ Not sent from a Droid, iPhone, Blackberry or toaster

07-03-2011, 06:42 PM	#8
tryfuhl Gamebreaker Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waldorf, MD Age: 41 Posts: 12,514	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? Good luck, the first thing that threw it off for me was I recalled most ST autos having a loop at the bottom of the 2 in "21" after google imaging some stuff, seems like he's done it both ways? I don't really know see if you can find other footballs as the space shape/confines may dictate how he signs it __________________ http://www.twitter.com/RedskinsRT

07-06-2011, 12:53 PM	#9
Hoagie1980 Camp Scrub Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? That autograph is an authentic Fred Smoot. They must have seen the "21" and just assumed it was Taylor. Also, both pics of the authentic Taylor autographs are mine (just bragging).

07-06-2011, 01:25 PM	#11
Hoagie1980 Camp Scrub Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? Not sure why he would put 21 on an 07 ball unless it's an older ball that they had mistaken for an 07 one. He wore 21 and 27 in Minnesota. not sure when but I saw pics on Google just now to verify.

07-08-2011, 10:50 AM	#13
Monkeydad Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Age: 45 Posts: 17,460	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? SMOOT Autograph: Source - Amazon.com: Fred Smoot Autographed Football - COA - Autographed Footballs: Sports & Outdoors YOURS: __________________ Not sent from a Droid, iPhone, Blackberry or toaster

07-08-2011, 10:51 AM	#14
Monkeydad Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Age: 45 Posts: 17,460	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? They DEFINITELY gave you a Smoot ball for a Taylor price. Return that ball ASAP. Use my link as backup when you talk to them. __________________ Not sent from a Droid, iPhone, Blackberry or toaster

08-29-2011, 04:06 PM	#15
kali3 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 19	Re: Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos? When it doubt send it back. I collect too and the most important thing is to be 100% comfortable with the items you have. If you are not sure or if it bothers you send it back and get your money back. If they sent you the wrong ball then they owe you the right one IMHO.

Redskins.com Selling Bogus Sean Taylor Autos?

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