Prescott’s ‘autographs’ phony?
Authenticator says signatures have a very machine-line feel
Dak Prescott has been viewed as flawless off the field since joining the Dallas Cowboys.
That perception appears to have taken a hit with an ESPN report suggesting Prescott used a machine to sign autographs for a memorabilia company.
ESPN states that Beckett Grading Services’ principal authenticator, Steve Grad, questioned the authenticity of Prescott’s signature after examining five autographed cards from Irving-based Panini’s 2016 Prizm set.
“They had a very machine-like feel,” Grad told the website. “You could see the starts and stops.
“I immediately knew they were autopen. I’ve never heard of a modern athlete doing this.”
Attempts to reach Prescott’s agent, Jeff Guerriero, were unsuccessful. Emails to Panini have not been returned.
The ESPN report says that Prescott may have never seen the cards, as blank labels and cards are often sent to marketing agents first. Panini does require athletes to sign an affidavit stating that what is returned is genuine.
Prescott is not the first athlete to have this come into question. Takkarist McKinley of Atlanta didn’t sign cards that were distributed by Panini in May.
WILSON ARRESTED: Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Frisco, Texas, police spokesman Ryan Chandler confirmed Wednesday.
Wilson was arrested Tuesday evening at Toyota Stadium. Chandler said he did not know what kind of weapon was used, or if the incident occurred in the stadium or the parking lot.
Wilson, 24, has posted bond and been released. Each charge carried a $10,000 bond. The charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.