Was it the real ring... ( Archived) (26)

The article below doesn't say that Perry gave the the money back to the boy. If he didn't give the money back, was it a random act of kindness on the part of Perry or on the part of the boy. Did the boy get ripped off by Perry for getting the ring back and not returning the money


A Pittsburgh-area 10-year-old took $8,500 out of his college savings account to buy William "The Refrigerator" Perry's Super Bowl XX ring. And then he gave it right back to its original owner.

With the help of his mother and a hefty college fund, Cliff Forrest Jr. purchased the ring after seeing it at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant in New York.

Cliff's father, Cliff Forrest Sr, said he wouldn't have approved his son's spending, "but his mother is a little more soft-hearted," he said.

Perry, a former Chicago Bears defensive lineman, had put his ring up for auction in 2007 for reasons unknown.

Soon after buying the ring, the younger Cliff heard about Perry's battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause paralysis. Figuring the former football star would be happier with the ring, Cliff set out to return it.

"He only played in one Super Bowl," Cliff said during an interview earlier this week. "I thought he would want it more than I did."

Cliff was unsuccessful in his attempt to get in touch with Perry. It wasn't until his mother started working the phones and set up a meeting before an autograph session in Chicago that Cliff was able to complete his good deed.

He took a flight to Chicago, met Perry and handed him the ring. In return, Cliff got two signed jerseys with the note "The Fridge, Thanks!" and five signed football cards.

"He was very appreciative and he said, 'thank you,'" Cliff said.

A sports collection website rains on the parade a little by pointing out that Perry's ring sold three years ago at auction for $27,000 and it's unlikely the price would have dropped so much since then.

Even if Cliff's ring was a replica though, it doesn't change the kindness behind his action.

i agree with that last statement

whether it was real or fake

regardless the 'actual' value

the gesture and love behind it is invaluable

i would guess perry didnt say much because what can you say in the face of such selfless generosity?

only thank you- which seems so small...its awkward but beautiful.

sometimes a moment is in the moment and not the words spoken therein

BUT, the boy gave the ring back to Perry and in also gave him $8,500. I am a believe in random acts of kindness but I don't think the boy or his parents wanted to donate $8,500 to Perry.

From what I understand the 10yr old bought the ring and then gave the ring back.

Maybe the parents told their son not to ask for the money back.

The media doesn't always report the whole story.Only what they feel will sell the news.

They gave him the ring not the money but if you insist on being pigheaded about it then it was $27,500 or whatever Perry got for it in the first place. either way sooo what?

I still think it was wrong for Perry to keep the money.

If the ring wasn't an option I doubt the boy would have given Perry $8,500 just for the heck of it.

The boy got ripped off and I think his parents are partially to blame

Regardless, this young boy has a good heart.

Don't you throw your sarcastic attitude towards me. You don't impress me when you insult me or anyone else.

State your opinion without being a jerk about it.

Act like a gentleman and you'll make a better impression.

Got that????????

He probably spent it before the kid came along

Madam, why on earth would I want to impress you or indeed insult you. You know, I find its the people who portray themselves as gentile and sweet that react most savagely and rudely to anyone who expresses a view that conflicts with theirs.

and ps i'm not afraid of you either