Response to NY Daily News Article

[bh3443]

I love this hobby/industry of ours so much. I have won one card (E95 Wagner PSA5) years ago, and Doug still finds time to send me a catalog via FEDEX because he knows that reading a hard copy is easier for me. He also finds time in his busy schedule to send me an email just to ask how I am doing. This means a lot to me. He, like all my net54 buddies make my life easier to deal with with these friendly emails, etc.., I thank EVERYONE!
When I read this article, it saddened me. Doug's a great guy in my opinion.
Here's a copy of my email to Doug. I'm an optimist and hope all issues are cleared up in the interest of all parties.
In closing, I want to tell everyone that Doug's been a great friend to me.
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Hi Doug,
I read your thread this am regarding O'keefe's article.

I'm one of your many fans and I will always be one. Your sending me hard copy catalogs which help with my illness is among the kindest things I've encountered since getting sick. Please keep them coming!

I wish you continued success with EVERYTHING. Keep your chin up, my friend!

Your friend,

Bill Hedin
3 Murray Rd
Framingham, Ma 01701

[dallen]

I am not going to get into a shooting match here. I will clarify my earlier statement about the Forman case as it relates to Legendary and myself as based on your post you apparently didnt understand my statement.

The only claims against Forman were by Mastro not myself or Legendary Auctions. He did not owe me or my company a dime. He did however file a claim alleging wrongdoing by me and my firm. We were only a party to the suit based on his counter claims.

As stated the case was settled with my company not having to pay or forgoe any payments. In addition we were never found to be guilty of any charges.

So your capital letter statement may be accurate for Mastro Auctions since they chose not to pursue a claim. That is not accurate for me.

On a personal note it is clear that Jeff has an axe to grind with me personally as he has found every opportunity to slam me publically. I will continue to take the high road.

[Bill Stone]

When a tsunami hits the high road is always where you want to be. Stay there and be safe.

[calvindog]

Doug, you're a fraud and you've ripped off everyone on this board who has bid in your auctions. That's why I am taking this personally.

As for your company, Legendary, you have committed fraud in those auctions. And to suggest that you have nothing to do with Ketap's actions, well, that is false. When you leaked your lawsuit to the Daily News you were quoted as saying that the lawsuit was necessary in order to pay consignors; now you're disavowing any responsibility for those quotes as well as the fact that you are the President of Ketap, the very entity which sued Dave Forman.

You can spin this any way you like but you got your ass handed to you, just as I said you would. Whether it be a voice mail you left on Dave's machine claiming that Bill Mastro was going to get Dave arrested if he didn't pay up, or Wally Tomala threatening Dave in a drunken rage 38 times in the middle of the night via telephone calls, nothing worked. You were forced to litigate these issues and you failed miserably. And you gave up a 400K claim for cards which we publicly admitted money was owed on.

It was a pleasure doing business with you.

[lharri3600]

I'm not going to say who's right or who's wrong. one thing i do know is this, the love of money is the root of all evil. money has just about ruined the hobby. why alter cards, why shill bid? damn, when is enough ever enough! i just hope the guilty party get some jail time and not a slap on the wrist and told don't do it again. shame,shame,shame.

[scottglevy]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Doug, you're a fraud and you've ripped off everyone on this board who has bid in your auctions.

Pretty serious allegation Jeff. Is this your opinion or do you have proof? I'm not all that familiar with what happened....but if this is a fact it's important for it to be revealed.

How specifically did Legendary rip people off other than not settling claims from a old company that went under (which might be morally questionable but is perfectly legal).

[calvindog]

Scott, I'm a lawyer who is well-versed in the libel laws. Does it seem as if I'm just engaging in conjecture?

[wonkaticket]

I do find it odd that Doug would come here for support or too clear the air. The stuff with Mastro/Ketap is bad stuff and I’m sure it affected us all in one way or another regardless if we realize it or not. I would bet that if we really knew what went on over the past years behind closed doors our blood would boil.

I also find it a funny statement on human behavior and us as collectors. We all lined up to give Pat Chan the death penalty for faking some T206 overprints which pales in comparison to what Doug has been tied too factually or allegedly. Yet we say keep your chin up? I wonder if all the people that were taken advantage of over the years by Mastro and the crew have kept their chins up?

We post scammers eBay links to obvious reprints by the dozens and rant and rave, yet when real deal stuff stares us in the face we all say ho hum. Sometimes I don’t think Mastro and the guys are too blame

I really think we as collectors get what we deserve even when it’s staring us right in the face we all rush right back in with our bids and blinders on.

Unreal stuff…

Cheers,
John

[scottglevy]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Scott, I'm a lawyer who is well-versed in the libel laws. Does it seem as if I'm just engaging in conjecture?

I'm guessing no. And certainly your 400k bet enforces this opinion. Care to share the details?