Dean's World

Putin's Superbowl Ring

Dean

You know, this has to be the funniest story of the day.

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Robert B.:

I am at pains to even imagine a comedy writer or show that could concoct a scene so bizarre. Not even "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or "Arrested Development" come close.

6.29.2005 8:16pm

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Arnold Harris (mail):

I read the original news article. It is obvious that Kraft gave the ring to the Russians as a token of his respect, and in recognition of his own familial Russian heritage.

For anyone to suggest it was purposely stolen by the Russian chief of state is hardly to be taken seriously.

In any case, Mr Kraft gave out numerous such rings to his players after their victory, and presumably can find a replacement for the one that will now rest in the Russian museum to which it was given. Replacement cost? About $15,000, which is not much money for a man like Mr Kraft, or for a government of a country as large as Russia, for that matter.

Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI

6.29.2005 9:39pm

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Dean Esmay:

I read it too, Arnold, and it's pretty obvious to me that the Kraft was startled and tried to put a nice face on it by deciding immediately that it was a gift when Putin absent-mindedly walked off with it. He obviously didn't want to make an incident out of it because the value of the business deal was far greater than the ring.

6.29.2005 9:59pm

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rvman (mail):

This is Russia we are talking about. I'd guess Putin was expecting some sort of token 'gift' in this situation, and assumed the ring was it. Kraft had the presence of mind to belatedly realize this, and didn't argue. 15 grand is a relatively cheap 'gift' for the assistance of a high-level bureaucrat in that part of the world, leave alone the President's.

6.30.2005 3:15pm

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Arnold Harris (mail):

From all this, I get the idea that Russians are literalists. Take off your wristwatch and give it to one of them, he's got the time; you've got two hairs past a freckle.

Luckily for Kraft, he's both rich, well-connected, and smart enough not to embarrass the president of the country in which he wants to do some big business.

Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb wI

6.30.2005 8:41pm