Did Howie Long have 'metal pebbles' sewn into 1981 Raiders jersey?
Howie Long says an auction house's claims that one of his old jerseys contained foreign objects is 'all so ridiculous.'
•
1 min read
If you like Howie Long, the early 1980s Raiders squad and weird jersey customizations, Heritage Auctions had just the thing for you.
The online auction house was selling a game-worn Long jersey from 1981. But that's not all. According to Heritage, "One of the most unique jerseys we have ever come across, the black mesh Oakland home shirt displays a scattering of metal pebbles sewn underneath the silver numerals. Most likely placed under the fabric to rough up the fingers of opposing offensive linemen, the 'pebbles' are the first MEARS authenticator Troy Kinunen has ever seen on a uniform."
Crazy, right?
Yes, except that Long doesn't know what Heritage is talking about.
As ESPN's Darren Rovell reports, "After being alerted about the auction and reading the description, Long said the idea that he had something under his numbers was 'so out of left field. It's just bizarre.'
In fact, Long seemed confused as to why those pebbles would have hurt his opponent's fingers but wouldn't have ripped the jersey altogether.
"It's just all so ridiculous," Long said.
The jersey, according to Rovell, sold for $3,585 on Friday. No word on whether the buyer will have to wear metal pebble-repelling gloves when handling the 33-year-old jersey.
