American Greed John Rogers Episode

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by btcarfagno

Cliff's Notes version:

Spent many years (decades?) forging and doctoring sports memorabilia and passing it off as the real thing. Then kept doing it when people got wise to the scheme. Then kept doing it even after a guilty plea. Currently serving 12 year prison sentence last I heard.

He's the guy that Doug Allen tipped off about wearing a wire which gave Doug a longer prison sentence than Bill Mastro.

[irv]

Very interesting read!!

Although I have been back collecting almost 3 yrs now, it still amazes me when I read about the ugliness in this hobby that I naively didn't think existed.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by irv

Very interesting read!!

Although I have been back collecting almost 3 yrs now, it still amazes me when I read about the ugliness in this hobby that I naively didn't think existed.

How do you think Bernie Madoff's friends felt!

[vthobby]

Shoutout to the previous poster...... Walter Johnson's Grandson Hank Thomas! Hi Hank! Last time I saw you was in Burlington VT at Tom Simon's house! Great memories of your incredible stories and your historical perspective.

Ok......the real reason I am posting here........I was duped by John Rogers and never recouped a penny. He got me on a fake Lou Gehrig/Ruth barnstorming baseball. Even agreed to refund so I sent it back..........UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never really heard an honest answer from him after that except lies and excuses.
I am recording the episode. Will likely cringe while watching it! Ouch!

Peace, Mike

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by vtgmsc

Shoutout to the previous poster...... Walter Johnson's Grandson Hank Thomas! Hi Hank! Last time I saw you was in Burlington VT at Tom Simon's house! Great memories of your incredible stories and your historical perspective.
Peace, Mike

Hi Mike, I remember that visit well, we all had dinner at Tom's and I stepped in some dog poo in the back yard and tracked it into the house! You had a card shop there if I recall correctly, are you still in the business? I hear from Tom every once in a while but haven't seen him in a few years, I'm sure he's doing well. Sorry to hear about your experience with Rogers, I met him once at a national about ten years ago and he was a real charmer, a super-salesman in the Trumpian mode.
All the best,
Hank

[calvindog]

Rogers is as big a degenerate as Bill Mastro which says a lot. And yet another example of hobbyists defending and holding up a scumbag on a pedestal solely because of the size of his alleged collection or bank account.

And Rogers would have ratted on anyone including his mother to avoid jail, he just couldn't stop committing fraud and lying. The idea that he "can't be defeated" is laughable as well. He was easily caught, turned and convicted; the only roadblock was the amount of fraud he had committed was so great that it took some time to track down most of it. Kudos to SA Brusokas for again busting his ass for a hobby that doesn't deserve him.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Kudos to SA Brusokas for again busting his ass for a hobby that doesn't deserve him.

Brian's a great guy, I had the privilege of talking to him at some length once. But I'm not sure I understand the dig at the hobby you're so much a part of. We all know about the many rotten apples that have been exposed, and no doubt there are more to come, but you and I could both name so many people that have proven themselves worthy of our trust over decades in the business. So exactly why aren't they worthy of protection from the fraudsters? Maybe I'm taking this too personally, but I think I'm worthy, and I certainly think you're worthy. How many other people on this forum and in this hobby are worthy?

[vthobby]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

Hi Mike, I remember that visit well, we all had dinner at Tom's and I stepped in some dog poo in the back yard and tracked it into the house! You had a card shop there if I recall correctly, are you still in the business? I hear from Tom every once in a while but haven't seen him in a few years, I'm sure he's doing well. Sorry to hear about your experience with Rogers, I met him once at a national about ten years ago and he was a real charmer, a super-salesman in the Trumpian mode.
All the best,
Hank

Hank,

Great memory! I sent you a PM,

Mike

[irv]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

That is not what I was saying, the hobby is full of awesome people in my opinion. There are some bad apples in it (as we all know) and it is the belief of some that that concentration is too high and that we will condone bad behavior as long as they continue to "deliver the goods" and offer items we "need to have." I feel Jeff has been pretty outspoken about his stance in this regard.

Hank, no need to rethink anything, you are good for the hobby and we need more people that are in it for the love of the hobby. There have always been shady people and there probably always will be, I was pointing out what I thought Jeff was referring to in his post.

This as well. I mentioned in another thread last year it must be hard for Jeff and others to keep carrying on fighting the good fight when he reads and sees others who still support these types who partake in fraudulent and illegal acts.

I am sure he has read/seen some who complain only to turn around and support them to some extent after they have been busted or outed.

I have seen it for myself on here with members who deal/bid with questionable A/H's or suspect persons.

In my opinion, those who support these types are not helping the hobby one bit, and in fact are doing further damage by condoning their behaviour.

I am all for giving people second chances but if their behavior hasn't changed much or any from their previous, then that is where I draw the line no matter what they have for sale.