Back to reality for sports memorabilia

Published Originally by NYDailyNews.com on Thursday, September 8th, 2011. 

Sports memorabilia is apparently ready for prime time.

Sports Collectors Daily reports that two reality shows that focus on collectibles are in the works.

The producers of History Channel's "Pawn Stars" are looking for collectors who want to share their stories and memorabilia with a broader audience than might be found at the typical card show (like women and people younger than 40).

Discovery, meanwhile, will unveil a show next month that centers on Long Island's own Grey Flannel Auctions. The producers are seeking collectors who have items with "fascinating back stories and/or provenance."

This won't be the first time Grey Flannel is featured on the tube. Back in 2005, Grey Flannel president Richard Russek got hammered on "The People's Court."

"The Case of the Ripken Rip-off" kicked off when when collector John Cherpock bought what dealer Sean Ford claimed was a Cal Ripken game-used retro jersey tailored for the second game of the Orioles' July 18, 2001, doubleheader with the Texas Rangers. Cherpock paid $2,475 for the jersey, which was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Grey Flannel.

Six months later, Cherpock consigned the jersey to Robert Edward Auctions. The New Jersey auction sent it back because, contrary to Grey Flannel's LOA, the second game of the doubleheader was canceled thanks to a chemical spill that shut down parts of downtown Baltimore.

Cherpock told Grey Flannel he wanted the company to reimburse him for the $2,475. Grey Flannel was liable, Cherpock says, because it issued the letter vouching for the jersey. Grey Flannel offered Cherpock the $400 Ford had spent to get the jersey authenticated.

Cherpock filed suit in Nassau County small-claims court, but agreed to bring the case to TV when contacted by The People's Court producers.

In the episode, Judge Marilyn Milian ripped Russek for the company's error, accusing him of gross negligence, and by the end of the show, Russek looked like a whipped dog.

"This is what gives the memorabilia business the bad reputation that it enjoys right now," the exit interviewer told him.

"Yeah, well listen, in almost all cases we're correct," Russek countered. "We made a mistake. The judge ruled. What can I say?"

"Yeah, but gross negligence," the interviewer added. "You didn't even try."