Dealers paid Georgia running back Todd Gurley more than $3,000 to sign autographs over a two-year period according to the NCAA, which suspended him until November 15. The NCAA says Gurley admitted to taking the money and must repay a portion of it to a charity of his choice as part of his reinstatement. He also must complete 40 hours of community service work. According … [Read more...]
Will Ruling Mean College Trading Cards Become an Industry?
Today, in some ways, we consider the overproduction era the nadir of the hobby. For issues such as 1988 Topps baseball. we can probably burn a set for every man, woman and child in America and still have more than enough left over to satisfy collectors’ needs. However, because the era was so fertile in collecting, there were new organizations looking to cash in on what we can … [Read more...]
Early Reaction to 2013-14 Upper Deck Black Basketball
At the end of her hit song Anticipation, Carly Simon sings “these are the good old days” as she wraps up her anthem to the unknown. It is a sentiment often used in movies, novels, theater, etc., and it may well sum up how several collectors of high-end basketball cards feel regarding the recent release of 2013-14 Upper Deck Black Basketball. Originally slated for a January … [Read more...]
Manziel Not Penalized (Much) for Autographs but Case Remains Open (Sort of)
Texas A&M University and the NCAA issued a joint statement Wednesday, claiming there is “no evidence that quarterback Johnny Manziel received money in exchange for autographs”. The announcement, at least for now, effectively ends speculation that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner might be suspended for the 2013 season. Several reports by ESPN earlier this month quoted … [Read more...]
Report: Johnny Manziel Accepted Cash for Autographs
Sports Collectors Daily spoke with a source at the National Sports Collectors Convention over the weekend who indicated an explosive story was coming soon involving Johnny Manziel and a paid autograph signing arrangement, a deal that if confirmed by NCAA investigators, would be against NCAA rules and likely mean major trouble for the talented Texas A&M quarterback. Late … [Read more...]
2011 Sweet Spot Football Promises One Auto Per Pack
Drawing on its collegiate sports license, 2011 Upper Deck Sweet Spot football features current and retired football stars pictured in their NCAA uniforms and, according to the company, one autograph per pack. The rookie autograph checklist features top draft picks like Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, A.J. Green, Julio Jones, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, Christian … [Read more...]
College Players Off Limits for Michigan Shop
They know demand is there. Fans ask. Alumni around the country call to see what they've got. Collectors hope to spot a future pro star in the making and want to buy low. Dealers elsewhere want to buy so they can sell high. For sellers of autographs in big time college towns, though, the answer usually comes fast. No. Paying a player to sign autographs while he's … [Read more...]
Robertson Joins Suit
They played before the era of multi-million dollar guaranteed contracts and endorsement deals. Now, some former players say they're trying to get what they deserve. Oscar Robertson has joined a group of former college athletes in a lawsuit against the NCAA aimed at stopping the organization from selling the rights to their images. Robertson and the others say they … [Read more...]
Ohio State Scandal a Reflection of Game Used Market
by Craig Paulson What began in the late 19th century with baseball cards being distributed by tobacco companies looking to boost sales has grown into a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Sports memorabilia is now sometimes part of the day's headlines. While packs of baseball cards and sticks of bubble gum where once the standard in the industry, times have … [Read more...]
Colleges Clamp Down on Autographs
The North Carolina men's basketball team has announced it will sell autographed basketballs signed by the 2010-11 team to the public beginning on October 1. Head coach Roy Williams will donate proceeds from the sale of balls to local charities. If selling team signed balls, even for charity, seems a little strange for a college team, you're probably not alone. Based … [Read more...]