Rae Carruth a free man after 18 years

[JWinn]

My questions are strictly card related.

Will Panini start including him in autograph sets? I kinda think they will. Another filler auto that will make a lot of collectors groan when they pull him in a box.

But more importantly, will you buy any if they do?

I can see a few set builders wanting one to fill a set, but is there a market for Rae Carruths cards today? Any Panther fans looking forward to him being included in a set or twenty next year?

How about CU fans? As he went there, his release today from prison was big news locally today. I noticed another member wanting some college cards, including CU recently. Does he hope for a Carruth in next years Contenders Draft Picks?

I pulled a few rookies & inserts back in the day, but nothing GW or autographed. I remember when he was arrested I was glad I hadn't pulled anything "good" of him.

[JWinn]

25 looks and nobody has an opinion on this? He's not taboo to talk about, is he? Surely some of you out there remember this guy, and must have a few of his cards in your old books & boxes.

[endyalamo]

While I don’t have an opinion on this, I had never heard of Carruth and now I’ve read up on him. Thanks.


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[Rybowski]

I don't think Panini will take a chance or even be willing to include him in a future set. Will it get people to remember him and want a card of his that is already out there, maybe.

[jplcom]

Will Panini start including him in autograph sets? I kinda think they will. Another filler auto that will make a lot of collectors groan when they pull him in a box.

Carruth started 20 games over 3 seasons with a high of 44 catches for 500+ yards his rookie season. Aside from the novelty of being a former 1st round pick (1997-1st, 27th overall), there's really noteworthy from his career to make his autograph desirable. Panini hasn't been packing out WRs like Ike Hilliard (1997-1st round, 7th overall), Yatil Green (1997-1st, 15th overall), Reidel Anthony (1997-1st, 16th overall). Derrick Mason who had an excellent career with 943-12061-66 and two Pro Bowls hasn't been included in a set since he retired.

So then the question be would Panini include Carruth due to infamy. Aaron Hernandez is arguably much more infamous and he hasn't had anything produced since 2013. Darren Sharper hasn't had anything since 2010. Anthony Smith nothing since 1996, and Mark Ingram (WR) since 1992. So I highly doubt they pack in any Rae Carruth autographs when you've had either more noteworthy players or more infamous crimes have been included.

On another note, I know he will be ostracized for the rest of his life and what he did was terrible but I hope he does find some level of peace and forgiveness. He seems genuinely remorseful and he has served his time. The last thing that is needed is another example of recidivism.

[JWinn]

I think you guys are probably right.

I saw today the NFL is prohibiting the use of his name on Panther jerseys. And that you cannot order, now, a Carruth jersey, a Hernandez, or an OJ Simpson jersey.

And it makes sense that Panini would follow suit to the NFL's wishes on this kind of stuff.

Thanks for the input guys!

[rtsjr]

nfl will not aloow cutom jerseys for him like simpson and hernandez

[Jameis1of1]

I remember watching him play in college and with the Panthers … he was a talented kid … I don't understand the NFL not allowing his, OJ's or Hernandez's name on jerseys .. that seems silly to me as those guys have family and fans that would like to wear their jersey and should be able to …

[sjw241]

I remember watching him play in college and with the Panthers … he was a talented kid … I don't understand the NFL not allowing his, OJ's or Hernandez's name on jerseys .. that seems silly to me as those guys have family and fans that would like to wear their jersey and should be able to …

Is it because the team or NFL would have to pay them royalties when someone orders their jersey? That could be the reasoning behind the ban.

[pwaldo]

I don't understand the NFL not allowing his, OJ's or Hernandez's name on jerseys .. that seems silly to me as those guys have family and fans that would like to wear their jersey and should be able to …

I bet it kills them not being able to get custom jerseys of those guys