Just because you didn't play for the Bulls during their second three-peat run from 1996-98 doesn't mean you can't own a championship ring from each of those seasons.All you'll need is a minimum of $19,000.
A judge has ordered the auction of ousted Sacramento Kings assistant coach Randy Brown's three championship rings that he won as a guard with the 1996, 1997 and 1998 Chicago Bulls.
Brown, a product of Collins High School here in Chicago, filed for bankruptcy in August 2008.Web-only public bidding for the rings through West Auctions will begin May 19 and last for two days. The bidding starts at $19,000 for the set of three rings.
Daniel West, a partner in the Woodland Calif.-based auction house, took the rings to a California jewelry appraiser who told him the value of the set was more than $40,000. The 12.5-sized ring from the 1998 championship alone was valued at more than $20,000.
"From a collector's standpoint, [the final bid] could easily triple that -- I hope," said West.
Between them, the rings contain nearly 200 individual diamonds. But it's the sentimental value surrounding Brown's rings that has piqued more interest than the commercial auctions West's company usually handles.
"The Bulls are such a strong team and they're doing so well this year, so that's part of the interest," said West. "I think the other part is that these rings are from such a special time for the Bulls -- back when it was their second three-peat."
He noted that the fact the rings are being sold as a set also makes this auction attractive to buyers.
"If you go looking, you can find championship rings available, but you'll only find one here or there," he said. "It's a rare thing to see all three from such a pivotal moment from a team like the Bulls."
Bulls fans may not be the only ones interested in Brown's pieces of history. West said his Web site numbers show that he's getting almost equal visits from Chicago and Northern California, where Brown played and coached for the Sacramento Kings.
In Brown's bankruptcy filing, the rings are listed at a total value of $10,500.
Also as part of the bankruptcy filing, Brown is surrendering the million-dollar home he owns in Naperville's tony White Eagle neighborhood and a pair of Dodge Chargers.
MORE PHOTOS OF RANDY BROWN'S CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS
Whether any of Brown's former teammates -- who include Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen -- plan to bid on the rings is uncertain. West wouldn't mind seeing such a scenario play out.
"So far I have not had a call from Michael Jordan," said West. "If you want to give him my phone number, I'd be happy to chat him up."
Bidding will be anonymous, but because this is a public sale conducted on behalf of the bankruptcy court, the name of the final bidder will be part of public record.
Calls to Brown's bankruptcy lawyer, W. Scott de Bie, were not returned.
Click here to view a PDF of Randy Brown's Bankruptcy filing.
"So far I have not had a call from Michael Jordan," said West. "If you want to give him my phone number, I'd be happy to chat him up."
Bidding will be anonymous, but because this is a public sale conducted on behalf of the bankruptcy court, the name of the final bidder will be part of public record.
Calls to Brown's bankruptcy lawyer, W. Scott de Bie, were not returned.
Click here to view a PDF of Randy Brown's Bankruptcy filing.
WOW i feel bad about Randy losing hes rings because of bk. Hey wheres Mike!!! #23 he cant help a brother out.I bet hes not selling hes rings. Too bad i dont have the money to buy them. I would just give them back to him. I think Randy is SEXY!!!
Another case of a star not knowing how to handle his money. Million dollar home and 2 Dodge Chargers? Should we feel bad for him? The tough economic times didn't get Randy, his careless spending did.
Hey Randy Give Stroger a call maybe he can get you a County Job??
Many people should not comment on things they don't know... no ones knows the circumstances surrounding Mr. Browns issues so before we get on the would wide web and attempt to pass judgment on someone take a look at you own finances. "Million Dollar home and 2 Dodge Chargers" shows how ignorant people can be who don't have all the information. This is a private issue and should be handled that way. Know the facts not rumors, generalizations, or common professional athletics stereotypes.
i hope whoever buys them gives them back!!! come on mike!!
Mike can help out and purchase the rings back for Randy, but if everything else Randy owns doesnt cover his debt (which it probably wont)the rings will just have to go back up for auction again.Anything he owns has to be liquidated.