Arizona Diamondback left fielder Luis Gonzales will provide a new piece of used chewing gum for auction on the Internet. The all-star has decided to end any controversy over the authenticity of a piece of used gum already being auctioned by sports collector Jason Gabbert.
"This thing has kind of gotten out of control," Gonzales said before the Diamondbacks' game Wednesday night.
Gabbert said he obtained the original piece of gum at a spring training game in Tucson, Ariz. After a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Diamondbacks, Gabbert claims he witnessed Gonzales leave his used gum on the field and asked a security guard to pick up the gum. The disgusted guard refused and kicked the gum over to Gabbert, who retrieved it and brought it home. He then put the gum up for auction on the Internet, with all proceeds going to Lakeside High School in Minnesota.
The top bid for the gum is $3,275, by Dave Pierce, a student at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
The controversy started when Tom Vigilante, owner of the security company that was hired to staff the D-backs' spring training games, came forward with a sworn affidavit from the security guard in question that denies Gabbert's story is true. It also states that when Gabbert's request was denied, he picked up a different piece of gum instead.
It has now come to light that Gabbert has was convicted of forgery in 1993 when he opened a bank account in the name of major league pitcher Aaron Sele.
Despite mistakes he may have made in the past, Gabbert said he was not trying to scam anyone. He said he wants the check made out directly to Lakeside High School.
Gonzales got involved to make the controversy disappear and to make sure the high school gets the money. He will chew another piece of gum in front of witnesses. The highest bidder will receive both pieces of Gonzales' gum.
The original piece of gum can be seen on Gabbert's Web site at http://www.nocontraction.com
Who's Hot
The Boston Red Sox - The best team on the East Coast hit four home runs on Tuesday (Ramirez, Daubach, Varitek, Garciaparra), giving them 13 homers in five games.
Who's Not?
The Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres are on 5-0-2 run to finish off a disappointing season. It's sad to see them play the way they are capable of now when they aren't going to the playoffs.
Rant
"Buffalo fans are too spoiled. They shouldn't be upset about not making the playoffs when they should sit back and watch their young talent develop," said Eric Perlow, UB student.
