Very interesting read, and sad....

[J.McMurry]

Sure this has been covered before, but this was a very interesting read. some people just need their A$$ kicked.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/

[T206DK]

Reading that story almost makes me want to stop collecting. too much dishonesty in this hobby today is ruining the fun. I didn't know the FBI was investigating REA for other sales of stolen items too. very depressing for me to hear especially after so many members here seem to speak so glowingly of Rob Lifeson and REA. It's hard to believe baseball card collecting has become a hobby fraught with so much theft and dishonesty. It's just cardboard that merely has intrinsic value. We will never be able to buy a loaf of bread with a T206 card !

[JP]

Interesting read indeed, but the less than subtle accusations against REA and Rob Lifson are inappropriate and unfounded. An auction house can't know the entire history behind everything they auction off, as even most owners themselves don't always know the provenance. The fact that REA took down the Welch card as soon as there was some question of ownership further proves that REA is the cream of the crop. Bringing up Rob's attempted theft from the library as a kid is just shoddy research and classless journalism...

[calvindog]

I'm not passing judgment on any of the allegations in the article posted but keep in mind that Peter Nash is about as biased as one could be against Rob Lifson and has a pretty sordid past in the hobby (as well as signing up on Net 54 with a fake name solely to bash Lifson). Might have been appropriate that he at least noted in the article his litigation with REA.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ba...ning_ugly.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...eref=shareDigg

[JP]

I knew that name sounded familiar! As recent as I'm aware, he has lost every suit he has brought against REA and in fact has also been counter-sued each time and lost those as well, making at least partial restitution...

[Rob D.]

For those scoring at home, Jeff's the one who doesn't have anything consigned in REA's current auction.

[JP]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

For those scoring at home, Jeff's the one who doesn't have anything consigned in REA's current auction.

You're confused as to which is the cause and which is the effect. I consign to Rob because he is morally superior to almost everyone in this hobby. He is not morally superior to most in this hobby because I consign to him...

[T206DK]

the fact that REA took the card down doesn't mean they are the cream of the crop by any means. What choice did they have really ? they either keep the card in the auction or they don't. It was the right thing to do, to remove the card in question in, my opinion. I don't know Peter Nash or his rep. If he has an axe to grind with Lifeson or REA fine let him. I still would like to know more about the ongoing federal probe he speaks of.
2 phrases I never thought would go together : "Federal probe" and "baseball cards"

[JP]

Originally Posted by T206DK

I still would like to know more about the ongoing federal probe he speaks of.

I'm sure his anonymous, unspecific "sources" are the same ones that help let us know the latest goings-on in the celebrity world. If a Federal Probe even exists, Rob is more than likely assisting in it, rather than being investigated.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by T206DK

I still would like to know more about the ongoing federal probe he speaks of.

Who said REA is being probed by the feds? A guy who probably has left 50 messages on the FBI's voicemail about Rob Lifson? Yeah, you can take his claim of a federal probe to the bank.

Originally Posted by T206DK

2 phrases I never thought would go together : "Federal probe" and "baseball cards"

Have you also never heard of the phrases "Mastro Auctions" and "Doug Allen and Bill Mastro?"

[3-2-count]

Immediately into reading the article it's very clear to see it's written very one sided and is nothing but a personal attack.
Sorry, but I'm not giving any real credibility to the author here whatsoever.

[painthistorian]

As stated, the haulsofshame.com is sponsored by someone who had been in direct litigation w/ Robert, involving a lawsuit in which he has lost his case, and probably has some personal vendetta against REA.

Even if items were stolen from Hall of Fame, any auction house cannot be responsible for how items were obtained, but it is good that item was removed from auction in order to clear up this issue, I feel bad for the consignor.