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Buyers Line Up for Items Left by Thomas
March 29, 2001
Fans and memorabilia seekers picked over the estate of the late Derrick Thomas, with some waiting hours Thursday to buy hats, autographed pictures and clothing.
One man said he paid $75 for a silver bedpan containing the name of the Kansas City Chiefs' All-Pro linebacker who died in 2000. Asked by a television reporter why he bought it, he answered, " It was kind of a gag. I thought it was humorous."
Thomas' mother, Edith Morgan, was inside the Independence home during the sale. Those buying at least $100 worth of goods were given purchase certificates signed by Morgan.
Rooms and walls at the home were packed with autographed footballs and helmets, posters and photographs, sweat pants and blue jeans, alligator shoes and snakeskin belts. Everything was given a price tag, including Thomas' four-poster bed, a gold pinstriped suit, a sack of blue ribbons Thomas won in junior high, even pool sandals.
Thomas was an avid sports memorabilia collector, amassing numerous autographs, photos, even his own football cards. A poster from a 1992 charity basketball game, signed by participants includin g former Kansas City Royals star George Brett, had been marked for $400. There also was a $45 price tag on a picture of Thomas with retired star running back Barry Sanders.
Thomas died of complications after an auto accident in Kansas City left him paralyzed.
While he earned $34 million in salaries and endorsements during his 11-year career with the Chiefs, he lef t an estate that one attorney described as "borderline solvent."
Thomas had no will, touching off a long tug-of-war in Jackson County's probate court. His heirs include his seven children by five women, none of whom Thomas ever married.
The mothers, who wanted more of Thomas' personal possessions for their children, were limited to $3,000 per child by the court.
from kc star
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