Sorry if this is already posted, but what a terrible story. I hate to see these kinds of things happen to the pioneers of the NFL. If I could afford it, I'd bid on it and make sure he got it back. http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/02/new_jersey_treatment_facility.html
Actually, I wouldn't feel right buying someone else's Super Bowl ring. Here's a posting about how to donate: http://www.thejetsblog.com/2009/02/04/larry-grantham-needs-your-help-please-read/
Yes, and it would be a good opportunity to reach out to former players. Mangini treated them like they were lepers.
Holy Hell. This is too upsetting for words. Let me sleep, and then I'll manage to tear the Jets a new one. Larry Grantham, treated like a dirtbag?! Matt Snell, one of my all time favorite NY Jets, he got pissed off years ago over never being offered a position in player personnel. Like, yo, front desk even. C'mon, way to alienate. I haven't seen Matt Snell since I was six years old. I doubt our sham organization has ever called him after the snub. This is atrocious. Atrociously sad.
I happen to know someone at Balfour, the company that made that years rings. I just sent her an email to see if the company wanted to do something. I think the $15-$20K to help pay his bills would be well worth the advertising they could get.
I can't imagine getting more angry than I am now after reading this. I can't even spare the profanity so forgive me. FUCK!! Why can't the Jets organisation step in here to help this man who was part of our greatest fleeting moment in history. Tannafuckinfraud, open up your purse and give this guy a break. This is a real Jet not some washed up selfish fucker who can't give up the rush of NFL applause. But hey, why doesn't Roger Goodell shame the sad Jets and step in. Some things are priceless and should never be for sale. The pride I feel as a Jet sometimes turns to shame.
Not knowing Larry Grantham had been battling cancer, I remarked to my cousin the last time Larry Grantham appeared at the Meadowlands last season that he looked like...he had cancer. Frail, unwell. I re-read the story, and it's truly depressing to me. It's not like the guy made a trillion dollars and squandered it away. Makes me feel like if Weeb Ewbank was still alive, the Jets would kick him in the Hudson River in his wheelchair if he was having similar woes. Shame on them if they don't step up to the plate. It only goes to show you the guy has a lot of pride - because he didn't ask them for help. If they know about this, they suck. EDIT: Does he even have a pension? What about medical benefits? Even worse.
I just checked the auction site and can not pull up the ring anymore. The story on thejetsblog.com is gone also. Wondering if someone stepped up to the plate and took care of this. The auction was supposed to go till 8 pm tonight I think.
Just got this email: ------- WE DID IT ! WE GOT THE AUCTION STOPPED. I JUST TALKED TO THE OWNER OF THE AUCTION SITE AND HE IS SENDING THE RING BACK TO LARRY TODAY. HE IS WAVING ALL FEES AND CHARGES. HOWEVER, LARRY STILL HAS MEDICAL BILLS TO PAY. A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED TO BUYING THE RING BACK HAVE AGREED TO CONTRIBUTE TO LARRY'S MEDICAL BILLS. IF YOU STILL WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT DIRECTLY TO LARRY GRANTHAM AND MAIL TO DAVE HARRY AT FREEDOM HOUSE, P.O. BOX 367, GLEN GARDNER, NJ 08826 AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE Frederick T. Reihl, M.A.. LCADC Chief Executive Officer Freedom House, Inc. PO Box 367 Glen Gardner, NJ 08826 Phone: (908) 537-6043 Fax: (908) 537-4190 Email: fredr@freedomhousenj.org Website: www.freedomhousenj.org
Well, I'm very, very glad of that. Jesus H. The check's in the mail. EDIT & P.S.: I would like nothing more than to write out a check payable to Larry Grantham. I'll enjoy doing it. I really will.
