He worked on most of the major sports memorabilia fraud cases that have made hobby headlines so far this century.
From schemes aimed at dumping forged jerseys onto the market to shill bidding and deceit, Brian Brusokas saw it all.
The retired FBI agent was a fixture at the National Sports Collectors Convention each year, meeting with auction houses, authentication companies and collectors who offered tips. Sometimes arrests happened in public view. Other times, it was just part of investigations that took years to turn into formal charges.
Brusokas talked with Fox32’s Corey McPherrin about some of the high profile cases and why he helped the FBI take “the hobby” more seriously.
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Babe Ruth items are setting the pace as SCP Auctions’ Spring sale heads toward the finish line this weekend.
One of two PSA 8 1922 American Caramel Ruth cards will sell for a six-figure price. It’s already blown past the amount it last sold for in 2020.
One of the best known Ruth signed baseballs is also pushing past $100,000 with the buyer’s premium factored in. The ball dates to the early 1940s when it was signed for a Navy officer at a War Bond event.
A 1922-25 Ruth bat rated GU 8.5 by PSA is also also among the top items.
SCP is also selling items consigned by former big leaguer Steve Sax, including his 1988 World Series ring and jersey. Proceeds will go to a foundation in honor of his late son, Johnny, a Marine helicopter pilot who died in a training crash last year. Sax talked about the collection and the 1988 World Series with MLB.com. SCP is also contributing to the cause.
Bidding in the 500-plus lot auction closes Saturday night.
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The new reality show “King of Collectibles, The Goldin Touch” is set to debut Friday on Netflix.
As we’ve reported previously, the show will take viewers inside the high value side of sports collectibles with appearances by athletes. It’s not all about sports collectibles, though, as the show’s first six episodes will demonstrate.
Unlike regular TV, you won’t have to wait a week to see the show that follows the premiere. All six episodes will drop on Netflix Friday. It’ll be translated into numerous languages and will be available around the world.
Yahoo has a little more about the genesis of the show and what to expect.
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Well, that didn’t take long.
The NFL’s top draft pick, Bryce Young, already has an autograph deal with Fanatics and moments after he was picked first by the Carolina Panthers, the company was offering his autographed helmets and footballs on its websites.
In fact, the majority of the top picks in Thursday night’s first round apparently signed deals with Fanatics ahead of the draft, with each player’s signed memorabilia offered almost immediately after they were picked.
Fanatics also leveraged its deals with quarterbacks Young, CJ Stroud and Will Levis to make Topps football cards that it is offering through its NOW platform. Autographed parallels were also available. Topps still can’t use logos since Panini has the NFL license.
And…Aaron Rodgers autographed New York Jets memorabilia is already on the market as well.
Rodgers, who was officially traded to the Jets on Wednesday, has his own deal with Fanatics and while the Jets helmets and other memorabilia hasn’t been signed yet, it will be thanks to his deal with the company.
He won’t be signing “12” below his name anymore, though. Rodgers is going to wear his old college number 8 with the Jets in deference to Hall of Famer Joe Namath.
Rodgers signed Jets mini helmets are 650 bucks with regular size helmets running higher.
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Pawn Stars will be hitting the road later this year, looking for collectors who have a special item they want to sell. Stops are planned in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Las Vegas and New Mexico. If you’ve got something unique or interesting that has some value and you’re in one of those areas and willing to appear on the show, you can contact the casting directors at [email protected].
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Yay for us.
SC Daily is listed 24th among the top 100 sports blogs on the web compiled by Feedspot, alongside some other names you’ll probably recognize.
Related Stories:
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Vegas Storage Unit Find of Action Packed Basketball Rarities Will Be Part Of ‘Pawn Stars’ Mystery Break
Duren Sentenced to 3+ Years in Prison for Bogus Autograph Business
Sports Collectibles Show Starring John Cena Seeks Items with a Story
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East Coast Collector Says He Lost $300k to Man Charged in Sports Card Fraud Case
Notes: Nebraska Volleyball Crowd Gets Card; Panini with Instant College Cards, Dylan Crews; Record Wemby Sale; More
