Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Scott Mt. Joy</b><p>I just wanted to comment that I have been following this thread from the start and I have learned more in it than in any other. I am mainly a vintage card collector but I do buy auto's from time to time and this thread scares me to death. It bothers me to think how much fake stuff I have bought in the past and how much this will definatly affect my future buying habbits. I plan to buy a Clemente auto down the road and this has given me tons to consider when I do. I really hope something positive comes out from all this. <br /><br />Thanks Leon for letting this thread run and in the main forum.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Glad to see that the kids are stopping the fighting.<br />--

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Ricky Y</b><p>I think it can be considered a valid topic because fake autographs have appeared on baseball cards both modern and vintage and I know some folks here collect autographed cards.<br /><br />Ricky Y

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Here are some delightful items from Coaches Corner, presented for your enjoyment.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708073.JPG"><br><br> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708092.JPG"><br><br> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1203708129.JPG">

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>The Ruth on the silver certificate looks really bogus.<br /><br />Say, haven't you guys resolved this issue by now? Just curious.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Josh Siegel</b><p>Isn't defacing a US dollar with a fradulent signature a major no-no????

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>I hope anyone who advertises in SCD is asking for lower ad rates due to the decrease in circulation. I also will not be renewing my subscription and I go back to the "Trader Speaks" days. It was a great magazine at one time, but I can't support this anymore. They need to bring back Bob Lemke who is a great hobby guy and turn this into a great mag again. I'm sure Bob doesn't want to be part of what is going on there now.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Wow! Thats gotta be the largest Lefty Grove sig I've ever seen! lol, You can see that from a mile away!<br /><br />Back to business. I've got questions for Richard,Shelly or anyone else on the board.<br /><br />1. in your estimation, what percentage of legit Ruth sigs exist that were signed with just "Sincerely", and not personalized?<br /><br />2. What is the likelyhood that Nap Lajoie would sign a 3x5 in 1950 with a ballpoint pen?<br /><br />3. Was it ever revealed as to who was buying all those fake autographs for UDA after They stopped using K.Keating?<br /><br /> * I'm always looking for this type of info so as to better myself in collecting. Thanks.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>1. in your estimation, what percentage of legit Ruth sigs exist that were signed with just "Sincerely", and not personalized? <br />ans - Ruth certainly favored personalizing, I would guestimate MAYBE 25-30%, but that is only a guess, others might disagree.<br /><br />2. What is the likelyhood that Nap Lajoie would sign a 3x5 in 1950 with a ballpoint pen? <br />ans - Ballpoint pens were around in 1950 but they had not been around for very long. He had a window of opportunity to sign with ballpoint, but not a big window. He liked to sign and date his autograph.<br /><br />3. Was it ever revealed as to who was buying all those fake autographs for UDA after They stopped using K.Keating?<br />ans - As far as I know they did not stop using Kevin Keating, they just started to buy from other dealers also. I don't know the name(s) of the people involved in buying for UD. I do know that Shelly exposed a UD card that sold for $85,000 with four autographs on it, two that were fake.<br />--<br /><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Thanks Richard,<br /><br /> I have hundreds of questions like those and I could talk for hours on end about players and autographs,but I try not to ask too much of dealers like yourself and Keating because I know it's your business. I asked Ron K. about those UDA cards about 6 mo.s before shelly broke the story on that 85k one. He said he had seen some fake cobbs out there, but didnt offer much info beyond that. I got the impression that he just didnt care much for the sig. chase cards.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>J - Richard did not mention to you that he and I also found a number of other cards that had bogus autographs on them, from UD and other companies.<br />They are illustrated on Richard's website at <br /><br />www.richardsimonsports.com/hofauto2.htm<br /><br />Pretty amazing that this company could do such a thing.<br />Upper Deck never conceded that they had bad autographs but they hired an authenticator after this crap was exposed.<br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>*

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>What does it mean if this thread makes it to 666?<br />JimB

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>J. McMurry</b><p>Who's the authenticator UDA is using now?<br /><br /> I coulda sworn I read a statement by Keating that led me to believe that UDA stopped buying his stuff because they found someone to sell to them at a cheaper price.<br /><br />I have seen those cards on Richard's site, they are pathetic.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Aaron Patton</b><p><br /><br />...received an email yesterday stating UDA and Hunt Auctions just signed a deal.<br /><br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Spence is doing it know. It is really funny that UDA would not admit that the Ruth and Johnson in the $85,000 card where forged. They said whom do you think is right UDA or a felon. The problem was that Richard, Spence, PSA and three others also found them to be forged as well. Under pressure from many people they where forced to hire some one from outside.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Correct me if I am wrong, but this is my understanding of what happened: UD started buying autographs from Keating. When they discovered the "bargains" on ebay and lower prices from others, they said why are we paying such high prices when we can buy cheaper.<br />The result of that thinking led to the crap autographs illustrated on my website. <br />As far as I know they now buy from several dealers/auctions.<br />--<br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>anthony</b><p>bump to get rid of 666 replies...

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>John</b><p>I was guided here by another Forum and must say that I am impressed with it all. A few general comments as a former autograph collector who has turned his attention to saving up a little money to buy some older baseball and hockey cards.<br /><br />First off, this is not a petty rant and we are not small minded people. How are we small minded? These words used by Ted Taylor about a quarter of the way up in this message board. I saw your Hughie Jennings authenticated single signed ball in Coach's Corner SA that fetched a mighty, whopping $222, instead of $8,000 to $10,000 -guesstimate- that it would have if sold through Mastro, REA, CS or Lelands. <br /><br />Second, as a person who likes to believe he has a collection full of Detroit heroes -Wings and Tigers- I believe I make good choices. I have all the respect in the world for Steve at Clean Sweep Auctions and have purchased a few pieces from him that I know are authentic. <br /><br />But the bothersome thing here is that you and the good sellers of the autograph world who still advertise through SCD have the power to do something. Ever heard of...us or them? How you don't see that by doing nothing is basically the same as saying that this is all okay with you. I'm not here to rip on you Steve, just making an observation. You are one of the good guys. For sure and I look forward to your next auction.<br /><br />I have little power. All I did was cancel my subscription and that did little. It seems. I did pass this message board to a couple of people -reporters- who may find some interest in all of this. Keep up the good work and I shall return with stupid, newbie questions about cards.<br /><br />Regards,<br />John<br />Go Red Wings!

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>John - keep on passing the message. The more the word gets out, the better the hobby can become.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Here's a beauty<br /><a href="http://www.myccsa.com/Lot.aspx?LotID=76661" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.myccsa.com/Lot.aspx?LotID=76661</a><br /><br />Morales has been promoted to "highly qualified" according to this ad. I hear he is also in line for the grand exalted 33rd level poobah of fake autograph authentication. I wouldn't trust him to authenticate my own signature if I signed it in front of him, and the joint chiefs of staff.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Mark Steinberg</b><p>Here is my favorite from the current CC Auction (authenticated by Morales...) <br /><br />Check out the snow-white ball and fresh ink. Not to mention, perhaps the worst Foxx imitation signature to be featured in quite some time...<br /><br /><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/perezfan/75593.jpg">

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>The Masters flag is still on the CC auction site.<br /><br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>zman7</b><p>Richard, perhaps you or someone else who has ties to the media should just focus their attention on that flag. Anyone can boast of their accomplishments and bad mouth the other guy and play the "he said, she said" about who's right and wrong. When we all see bad stuff and try to call it out, we end up having to defend ourselves. We will forever be questioned "how do you know". Collectors seem to trust the bad guys more than the ones trying to help. It seems that doesn't work, as everyone believes that their guy is the best and everyone else doesn't know anything, other than Joanne who I believe must have daily thoughts of Rainbows, Butterflies, and Unicorns to give CC the benefit of the doubt and the what ifs. You can't see that Masters flag for anything other than it is, supposedly signed by a guy who died 6 months before the flag was available. I would think, that posed with that question from the media, CC would have to give some sort of explaination.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I e-mailed the webmaster at masters.org. The web site has no real e-mail addresses listed, but that one has at least a chance of reaching a real person. I remember that the Masters organization was successful in having a green jacket withdrawn in a catalog auction, and that was a real jacket. I hope they don't react well to someone putting not only forged signatures on one of their items, but a dead member's as well.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>*</b><p>*

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>Good idea DD. I went to the Master website and there was no contact info.<br />And certain media has been made aware of this thread.<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Shelly,<br /><br />Have you been in contact with Michael Gibbins from the Babe Ruth Museum? Stevens is making a living off their name, in addition to the fact that people who trust him to authenticate his in-person items, may be the same people buying all the crap from CC.<br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>*</b><p>*

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I did manage to find a real e-mail address for someone at The Masters and sent them the info anyway.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>How about contacting Michael O'Keeffe? Unless anyone strongly objects, as there are many on here that have less than a high opinion of him, I can't think of anyone more likely to run with this than him.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>I would hope and think that the Masters might be willing to take some action against forgeries on their flag. Let us hope for the best.<br />And Z you had said "Collectors seem to trust the bad guys more than the ones trying to help". In my experience except for a very, very few isolated individuals with their own agenda, that has not been true.<br />--<br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>"It seems that doesn't work, as everyone believes that their guy is the best and everyone else doesn't know anything, other than Joanne who I believe must have daily thoughts of Rainbows, Butterflies, and Unicorns to give CC the benefit of the doubt and the what ifs."<br /><br /><br />Hmm. Don't believe I have daily thoughts of Rainbows and Butterflies, and I can't recall ever thinking about Unicorns, really. It could be that I was applying some thought and consideration to various possibilities rather than just jumping onto the jam-pile without thinking. But whatever you say, z, what with you knowing me so well and all.<br /><br />Know what? For a lot of people that have never been on this board before, it seems like there is an awful lot of rudeness going on. As Dan B so eloquently stated about 8,000 posts ago, this thread is being hosted (yes, hosted - what a perfect word, with all of the civility it implies) by a forum that has been around a long time. And yet posters who have never spent 5 seconds here have done everything from demand and insist on the right to have this thread to outright name calling.<br /><br />I guess that in being told I must think of light little insubstantial fru-fru things each day, I didn't come out so bad. Still, it does seem like the most basic common courtesies would be in order. <br /><br />One would think it would not even have to be mentioned, but here we are.<br /><br />Joann

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard S. Simon</b><p>I think that for the most part, considering the number of posts here, the thread has been fairly civil.<br />Two children did have a squabble earlier, but after they were politely asked to stop, they did stop. Aside from that name calling there has been little here that has not been on message. And Joann, I don't think of you as thinking about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns, not that there is anything wrong with that <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>.<br />---<br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Steve</b><p>Wow this thread has some serious legs.<br /><br />Steve<br /><br /><br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>This is certainly the longest thread ever on Net54 VBCF.....Also, I have asked Zman7 to edit out almost all of his editorials since he doesn't want to be known publicly to the board....It's only the rules and is for everyone's safety.....regards

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>I contacted Phil Mushnick of the NY Post. He has written about these issues before, as well as coming down hard on Don West and others.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>Yes I have contacted Michael O'Keeffe and he is investigatng the Florida lawsuit against Caizzo and he is reviewing this thread.<br />I have also talked to Mr Gibbins at the Babe Ruth museum. I don't think he is very happy at the claims made about the guys at STAT being the authenticator for the museum when all they do is authenticate in person signings. I could train a monkey to do the same thing. Monkey see the autograph, monkey authenticate the autograph.<br />I have also sent a link to this thread to Keith Olberman and sent him copies of some CC autographs. I don't know if he collects autographs but I bet he would be interested in this.<br />This thread has legs guys and gal and its moving forward.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Mr. Morales has been busy.<br /><br /><a href="http://moralesforensics.com/news.htm" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://moralesforensics.com/news.htm</a><br /><br />Shelly, Rich and Bill in particular will love what he has written.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>DD - look at the update date on that web page, July 21, 2007. It is old news to us. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>DD</b><p>Rich,<br />I saw that the home page had been recently updated. I thought the material was new as it is fitting to this thread.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>As Shelly knows, above and beyond the press, there is a lot going on. But good poker players never show their cards. <br /><br />Those of you who are concerned about the vast sums of money being extracted from the pockets of innocent, naive victims should notify any press contacts you have, be they sports or news-related, and let them know about this thread. In all my many contacts with the press, I've always found them to be very thorough and exacting...and fair.<br /><br />Also, don't hesitate to put links in your emails to other sites, good and bad, which have been mentioned in this thread. Readers of your emails won't have the time to plow through the 600+ postings above. I've given a few good mail and email addresses above. A nice word for Leon wouldn't hurt, either!<br /><br />Yes, this thread has legs, and hopefully will keep up a good head of steam until the issue is settled, one way or another. <br /><br /><br />(Editted for bad spelng)

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Richard Simon</b><p>I for one would like to thank Leon for allowing this OT thread to remain here on this board.<br />THANKS LEON !<br />--<br><br>I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.<br />Unknown author <br />--<br />We made a promise. We swore we'd always remember.<br />No retreat baby, no surrender.<br />The Boss

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>Richard, you are a true gentleman <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <br /><br />Let's carry on with this important (and enlightening) thread.<br /><br />Thx,<br /><br />J

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Christopher Rizzo</b><p>I know i am new to this site, but i have extensive knowledge of anything having to do with the Augusta National G.C. aka Masters!! I worked there for almost 7 years!! Anyone with any questions, i would be more than happy to take time to anwser! The problem with A.G.N.C is it's a private club, anything having to do with a Masters flag, more than likely they are not going to get involved unless the flag was counterfeited! I can tell you one thing for sure, as i have been to every tournament since 1988, and that autographs are alot harder to get nowadays especially the top players! I would work hand and hand with them during Masters or if they played as guest of member and alot of them just will not sign unless you are a kid during practice rounds!

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>shelly jaffe</b><p>It seems that we have left out our good friends from STAT. I think its time that SCD takes a look at this company for what they really are. I know that when Rocky was with the SCD he stated that any company working for Coaches Corner as authenticator had to be qualified. <br />Well lets look at the Boys from STAT. This is a company that by telling half truths made people believe that authenticated for the Babe Ruth Museum. They also have on there web site a company called Kronbear Sports Promotions, Again all they do is in person authenticating. Know I am going to show you where they try to prove that they actually know something.<br /><br />Stevens-Taylor AuthenticationTeam (STAT) STAT Authentic LLC<br />Offering:<br /><br />Authentication<br />Appraisals<br />Verification<br />Celebrity Appearances & Event Coordination<br />Procurement of Memorabilia<br />Expert Witness Testimony<br />Insurance and Legal Consulting<br />Marketing & Public Relations<br />Collection Liquidation<br /><br />"Let us do the legwork for you"<br /><br />Finally! A full-service hobby organization<br /><br />Do you want someone to verify and authenticate an autograph?<br /><br /><br />Let me ask the two of you this question.<br /><br />When did you become expert witness? What state are qualified in and when did you last testify.<br /><br />What Insurance company in there right mind would let you appraise anything?<br /><br />When did you become Legal Consultants. I am sure many lawyers on here would love to know.<br /><br />Now comes my favorite part.<br /><br />Jeff Stevens and Ted Taylor and the team at STAT do all that ….and a whole lot more.<br /><br />Why not trust all your hobby and authentication needs to two men who have lived and breathed the hobby for decades?<br /><br />They'll give you an honest opinion and certification based on a lot of years of working in the hobby's trenches. Both Jeff and Ted bring sterling hobby reputations and are well known in hobby circles for their many accomplishments.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Verification - STAT Authentic, an LLC registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, renders a service in expressing our opinion and knowledge, however, STAT Authentic LLC and its partners/employees does not guarantee the accuracy of our opinion expressed regarding any items submitted for authentication. We assume no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage allegedly sustained as a result of any opinion rendered.<br /><br />STAT Authentic LLC is in no way liable for personal loss due to damage alteration or any other reason once this item leaves our possession. Our seal, signatures, registration number and processing date must appear on this certificate for it to be valid. <br /><br />Who are the other people of STAT?<br /><br />You have both been in the trenches. You must have been because you guy sure stink at what your doing.<br /><br />All those years. I want to know how all those years made the two you able to authenticate every signature known to man.<br /><br />Last but not least.After reading there Verification statement. What person in their right mind would want to have anything to do with these two.<br /><br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>SC</b><p>STAT and Morales are being critiqued for the lack of teeth behind their gaurantee, i.e. "We are not responsible...only an opinion."<br /><br />Are there any authentication companies out there that WILL gaurantee their work? My understanding, when I was more involved in the industry, was that PSA/DNA (not to pick on them, just what I know) would only refund the authentication fees if an item turned out/was proven to be bad. Getting a check for $150 isn't much comfort if I bought a fake Ruth ball.<br /><br />I can certainly understand an authentication company's hesitation to slap a $25,000 gaurantee on an item for a $150 fee...but this isn't that uncommon in other industries, albeit often at a % of an item's value rather than a flat rate. <br /><br />If they don't have any such gaurantees, the various LOAs are nothing more than opinions, which are built on reputations that are only as good as the person's current standing in the industry.

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>Re: Ted Taylor and STAT Authentics, I copied the following off theyneedglasses.com:<br /><br />What hat will Ted Taylor wear today?<br /><br />In their March 2, 2007 issue, Sports Collectors Digest published an article titled "Coach's [Corner] auction business thriving 23 years later" under the banner: "2007 Show and Auction Guide".<br /><br />The flattering article also had a photograph of "Coach's public relations director", Mr. Ted Taylor...that's nice...distinguished looking guy...<br /><br />WHAT?!? Ted Taylor?!? I know that name from somewhere...<br /><br />Better do a little looking to refresh my memory! Hmmmm.....<br /><br />We'll start at the Coach's Corner web site. Here he is - well whadayaknow, he gave a testimonial to his own company! That's a little sneaky. Look:<br /><br />"They are my number one choice for buying and consigning."<br /> Ted Taylor -- Former VP of Fleer, Scoreboard, and Hobby Pioneer (visit <a href="http://www.tedtaylor.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.tedtaylor.com/</a>) <br /><br />How about Taylor's site, www.tedtaylor.com? If you look at his "Collector's Corner" column there, you can't help but notice that there's a large, loud link direct to...Coach's Corner Auction. And his column sets forth a whole bunch of prices realized at CC's last auction. <br /><br />Well, isn't that what a "public relations director" is supposed to do? Well, there's just one problem.<br /><br />Ted Taylor is a principle of STAT Authentics. And he's also part of STAT's "authentication team". STAT Authentics "authenticates" a great deal of material for Coach's Corner auctions. <br /><br />I think I'm going to barf...<br /><br />That being said, can somebody please tell us...<br /><br />HOW CAN AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR "BUY AND CONSIGN" AT THE SAME AUCTION AT WHICH HE IS EMPLOYED AS AN AUTHENTICATOR, OR FOR THAT MATTER, AT ANY AUCTION?<br /><br />IS IT ETHICAL FOR AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR TO PROMOTE ANY AUCTION, ESPECIALLY ONE AT WHICH HE IS ADMITTEDLY "BUYING AND CONSIGNING"?<br /><br />WHY HASN'T MR. TAYLOR MORE PUBLICLY DISCLOSED THE FACT THAT HE IS AN EMPLOYEE OF COACH'S CORNER, AND THEREFORE HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THAT AUTION HOUSE?<br /><br />IS MR. TAYLOR AN AUCTION HOUSE EMPLOYEE, AN INDEPENDENT AUTHENTICATOR, BOTH..OR NEITHER?<br /><br />Mr. Taylor, I'm sure thousands of card collectors out there are proud of, and thankful for the efforts you have made over your many years in the business to promote this hobby that you and they love so much. Nobody can dispute the contributions you have made. However, you must be aware that your reputation is being destroyed through your involvement in a field in which it is clear you are not qualified to practice. So that your legacy is not further diminished, we urge you to return to the field you know best and leave the authentication of autographs to those with the knowledge and experience to practice it. <br /><br />

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>Bill Panagopulos</b><p>SC - <br /><br />You are absolutely correct. Not one authenticator that I know of offers any kind of insurance ("errors and omissions"), which would cost a fortune. You have to depend on authenticators who are the best in their field, and not some of the hacks that have been discussed on this board. Believe it or not, competent authenticators have a very,very low error rate (or they wouldn't be in business!),

Open letter to STAT and Christopher Morales
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I for one have long stated that authenticators, professional card graders, and anyone else who's opinion regarding authenticity affects the market should no longer be in the business of buying and selling memorabilia. I don't give a hoot if they disclose that they are the consignor of an item that they authenticated, it's simply unacceptable. I know there are differing opinions on this subject.