Jim Brown's Championship ring auctioned legally?

Jim Brown’s Championship ring was gifted to a family member, sold by that family member, then sold again in auction, legally — or, so the Auction house says. Brown, however, thinks the ring was stolen from him back in the 1960s.

More from Cleveland Browns

Lelends.com, the site in charge of auctioning the ring, obtained the ring from the family member for $33,000. They also explained that they had long been in correspondence with Brown, who knew they were in possession of his ring, but that he never once voiced to them that the ring was wrongfully obtained. He was cordial and polite in dealing with the company. Thus it comes as a surprise that he suddenly refutes their right to sell the ring.

“We never sell anything that has been stolen or not authenticated,’’ chairman of Lelands.com Josh Evans said. “It’s unfortunate that (Brown) has gone in this direction, but it came from a family member who turned around and sold it.’’

He stands by his statements and will proceed with legal action to get it back.

“I’m going to definitely do whatever action is open to me because my property was stolen and I haven’t authenticated anything,’’ Brown said. “It’s my property so (Leland.com’s sale) should be against the law.

“My friends are calling me and thinking that I sold the ring or something. Why would I sell my championship ring?’’

According to TwinCities.com, the ring has inscribed on it the score of the game and Brown’s name. The Browns beat Baltimore 27-0 in 1964 for the only NFL title Brown ever won. It’s highest bid is current $33,275 — which makes you wonder, if all things are held equal, is $275 worth all this?

Home/Cleveland Browns

Jim Brown’s Championship ring auctioned legally?

By Henry McKenna | Jul 8, 2014