Mexico City– Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, is in the world conversation after unleashing a war against Ukraine.
But his name is also noted for having stolen a Super Bowl ring from none other than Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
In the summer of 2005, months after winning Super Bowl 39, Kraft was invited by some businessmen to travel to Russia and live with the president.
According to the book ‘Dynasty’, by author Jeff Benedict, at the meeting, the owner of the NFL champion team took out his ring to show it to Putin, who admired the piece made up of 124 diamonds and placed it on his finger.
“I could kill someone with this ring,” Putin commented on the size of the jewel.
“You could kill whoever you wanted without that. You are the head of the KGB,” Kraft replied, unleashing laughter from those present.
The Russian president took off his ring and instead of returning it, he put it in his pocket, turned around and left surrounded by security agents. Kraft was stunned.
Days later, according to the book, the theft was reported by news agencies, all while Kraft was still in Europe.
Given the situation, the Russian government stood up and assured that the ring had been a gift, even various important media in that country reported that it had been classified as a treasure, for which it was deposited in the Kremlin Bookstore.
The scandal reached the ears of George Bush, then president of the United States, who, due to the situation, suggested to Kraft that he accept that it had been a gift since it could strain diplomatic relations between two powerful nations.
But the ring hadn’t been a gift, it had Kraft’s name on it.
In the end, the tycoon, owner of the Patriots, gave in to Bush’s presidential order and published an official statement explaining that it was not originally a present, but had chosen to give it as a recognition to President Putin.
“I have decided to give you this ring as a symbol of my admiration and respect for the Russian people and their leader, President Putin.”
Robert Kraft was left without a championship ring, but as a consolation, according to the book, as a result of that episode a Patriots fan club was founded in Moscow.
