Robert Kraft Demands Putin Return Stolen Super Bowl Ring

At a recent event, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a humorous yet pointed demand to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "Give me my f---ing ring back." The request stems from a long-standing controversy over Putin's alleged theft of Kraft's Super Bowl ring in 2005.

Robert Kraft, the enigmatic owner of the New England Patriots, has reignited a long-simmering controversy by publicly demanding the return of his Super Bowl ring, which he alleges was stolen by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During a live event on Sunday, Kraft used the occasion of "The Roast of Tom Brady" to deliver a comedic barb at Putin, eliciting laughter from the crowd. However, beneath the humor was a serious undercurrent: Kraft has maintained for years that Putin absconded with his prized possession during a visit to Russia.

The controversy dates back to 2005, when Kraft traveled to Russia and presented Putin with his Super Bowl ring. According to Kraft, Putin admired the ring's size and diamond count, exclaiming that he "could kill someone" with it. Kraft responded jokingly, "You could kill someone without it. You were the head of the KGB."

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Kraft extended his hand to retrieve the ring and Putin slipped it into his pocket. Days later, The Associated Press reported Putin's alleged theft, sparking an international incident.

The Russian government subsequently claimed the ring was a gift, prompting the Bush administration to reportedly pressure Kraft to support this narrative. Kraft reluctantly issued a formal statement, characterizing the ring as a symbol of respect for the Russian people and Putin's leadership.

Despite Kraft's initial acquiescence, the controversy has persisted. In Jeff Benedict's book "The Dynasty," which delves into the Patriots' NFL reign, details emerged suggesting the Bush administration urged Kraft to lie about the ring theft to protect national interests.

Benedict's book alleges that Kraft was told it would be "in the country's best interest" to declare the ring a gift, a claim Kraft has not publicly addressed. The incident has become a source of consternation for Kraft, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to recover the stolen ring.

Kraft's latest public demand, made in a humorous context, reflects his ongoing frustration with Putin's alleged theft. Whether his plea will elicit a response from Putin remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the lingering controversy surrounding Kraft's missing Super Bowl ring.