Post by President Ackbar™ on Aug 22, 2017 23:39:13 GMT
Patriots gave President Trump Super Bowl ring
Scott Gleeson
USA TODAY Sports
Published 10:59 a.m. ET
Aug. 22, 2017
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave President Trump a commemorative Super Bowl ring after the team's visit to the White House.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James told USA TODAY Sports that during the team's championship visit, Trump mentioned to Kraft, a longtime friend, how honored he was that the Patriots were the first team to visit the White House during his presidency.
Although the team came bearing traditional gifts on that occasion — a jersey and a helmet — Kraft decided that another gesture was necessary since New England was the first pro team to visit under the Trump administration.
James said that of the five times the Patriots have visited the White House, this one included the best treatment — in Kraft's eyes — by allowing the most time with the President and including the most impressive White House tour.
James said the Patriots have almost always paid more than what the NFL expensed for the rings, and that this year’s ring, according to Josten’s, is the “biggest Super Bowl ring” to date. No exact price tag was provided. In 2015, Kraft ordered rings valued at $36,500 each or approximately $5.5 million in total, according to ESPN. Those rings featured 200 diamonds.
According to federal guidelines, when the President receives a personal gift from a member of the American public that exceeds a certain amount, that gift must be publicly disclosed in financial disclosure reports filed each year by the President.
Walter Shaub, who until last month was the director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, said that Trump can accept the gift.
But if the ring's value exceeds $375 -- the reporting threshold -- Shaub said Trump would have to disclose it in next year’s financial disclosure reports.
“People should watch closely to see if he discloses that,” Shaub said in an interview. “If not, it’s a violation of the Ethics in Government Act.”
Scott Gleeson
USA TODAY Sports
Published 10:59 a.m. ET
Aug. 22, 2017
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave President Trump a commemorative Super Bowl ring after the team's visit to the White House.
Patriots spokesman Stacey James told USA TODAY Sports that during the team's championship visit, Trump mentioned to Kraft, a longtime friend, how honored he was that the Patriots were the first team to visit the White House during his presidency.
Although the team came bearing traditional gifts on that occasion — a jersey and a helmet — Kraft decided that another gesture was necessary since New England was the first pro team to visit under the Trump administration.
James said that of the five times the Patriots have visited the White House, this one included the best treatment — in Kraft's eyes — by allowing the most time with the President and including the most impressive White House tour.
James said the Patriots have almost always paid more than what the NFL expensed for the rings, and that this year’s ring, according to Josten’s, is the “biggest Super Bowl ring” to date. No exact price tag was provided. In 2015, Kraft ordered rings valued at $36,500 each or approximately $5.5 million in total, according to ESPN. Those rings featured 200 diamonds.
According to federal guidelines, when the President receives a personal gift from a member of the American public that exceeds a certain amount, that gift must be publicly disclosed in financial disclosure reports filed each year by the President.
Walter Shaub, who until last month was the director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, said that Trump can accept the gift.
But if the ring's value exceeds $375 -- the reporting threshold -- Shaub said Trump would have to disclose it in next year’s financial disclosure reports.
“People should watch closely to see if he discloses that,” Shaub said in an interview. “If not, it’s a violation of the Ethics in Government Act.”
