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We've Been Sued by Christopher Morales

Last Wednesday I was directed to an article on Autograph Alert that, beyond saying the usual things they say about this site and me, seemingly "outed" one of our members whose comments they didn't like. At the end of the article, they wrote:

"By the time you read this story,
Cyrkin will have the first of a major rude awakening,
one he has invited and is well deserved."

The next morning I received an email from a court services firm asking for an appointment to serve me with legal papers. I arranged to be served this Wednesday. And I had a copy of the suit sent to me.

I have been sued by Christopher Morales, the autograph authenticator I have called, "the forger's best friend." Morales is joining me to his lawsuit against Roger Epperson alleging:

libel
slander
business disparagement
tortuous interference with prospective business relations, and
civil conspiracy.

I don't look forward to this or any lawsuit. Who does? But I feel it's my duty, and all of ours, to do everything we can to protect collectors, fans and the autograph hobby against forgeries. So, like Roger has, I'll defend the lawsuit vigorously—and I will not stop speaking out.

I stand behind everything I've ever said or published about Christopher Morales, and the forgery industry that uses him. I would be surprised if even one-percent of the autographs he has authenticated are genuine. But this is Morales's opportunity to prove that I am wrong; that most of the autographs he authenticates ARE genuine—and that we are "out to get him."

The truth is on our side.

Sincerely,

Steve Cyrkin
Editor & Publisher

10 members like this

Comment by JJ on March 21, 2011 at 4:30pm: Steve,

I don't know you other than from your magazine and this web site, but I think I know enough that you are on the right side of this and that it would be very hard to show that you are wrong. I hope that you don't become a sacrificial lamb for this type of charlatan's antics. Hopefully you can find opportunity in adversity here, but any legal dealings can be extremely expensive whether you're right or wrong - guilty until proven innocent (or until the lawyers are paid).

One thing that you should consider is to have members from this group provide affidavits on your behalf. It would take a properly formatted document that you could provide the template for and, if I'm not mistaken, it would only need to be signed, notarized and forwarded to you as part of your evidence package. I would gladly do an affidivat based on nothing more than the bogus Beatles "signed" Les Paul (now a less Paul) that you provided a picture of in your article, with exhibits of my own. That type of thing would be the least that many of us could do, which is a good place to start. Let me/us know.

Sincerely -

Jamil

Comment by Roger Furr on March 21, 2011 at 4:31pm: Good luck Steve cause the way I look at it is the the magazine educates us on this great hobby we all love.....

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 21, 2011 at 4:39pm: Thank you--everyone--for your support. Can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

And Josef R...I hope we meet someday! Love your comment.

Comment by DB on March 21, 2011 at 4:42pm: Sounds like complicity. BTW, I am sure that anyone who is bounced from EBAY has deserved what they receive and contrary to popular belief we all know how "easy" it is for EBAY to do anything when it comes to being banned and those that have been banned have earned it. The proof is in the pudding with regards to authenticity. I support the greek in his advise but beware "greeks" bearing gifts ;-)

Yours in battle - Don Barcardi.

Comment by Barry S on March 21, 2011 at 4:43pm: Not really sure how a crook can sue two honest people for telling the truth, but good luck.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on March 21, 2011 at 4:43pm: Unfortunately, no matter what the outcome, I'm afraid this will result in the desired outcome-- to create a chilling effect for those who wish to speak out.

Comment by Dr. Richard Saffro on March 21, 2011 at 4:45pm: Steve, your stalwart leadership and vision has created a much safer and trustworthy environment for our autograph hobby. Your selfless actions for all of us do not go unappreciated.

May I suggest that you start a defense fund. You most certainly deserve our financial as well as moral support. Thank you for all you have done.

Comment by CJCollector on March 21, 2011 at 5:20pm: This is how messed up the hobby is!!! I find this whole episode totally ridiculous!!!! Tomorrow morning I will be contacting Mr. O'Keefe of The Daily News and I hope he will write an article about this calamity. Below is another Morales authenticated gem:

Comment by Brandon Mysinger on March 21, 2011 at 5:22pm: It would be good to know what is going on with the purposed FBI investigation regarding him. The time-line shows that losing ebay as a venue for his COAS is a MAJOR hit in his pocket. You just happen to be an easier target than ebay.

I'm VERY sorry for you and you know I am willing to help all that I can.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 21, 2011 at 5:22pm: Just one of 130+ similar examples of Coach's Corner auction lots with Morales COAs: "Babe Ruth Autographed Vintage Pair of Flannel Baseball Pants." They're up to $55.

Click to enlarge: