01/20/2006
Ward's shoes go for a mere $490 on eBay
Problem is - they're not his By: Chris Harlan - Times Sports Staff
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says he never had a pair of cleats like the ones sold on eBay. "I never wore those cleats." he said. Times file photo
Want to walk in Hines Ward's shoes?

It'll cost you.

If you could round up several hundred dollars (and outbid nearly 30 others), a pair of game-used football cleats could be on your feet for Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Perfect for when a Steelers jersey just won't satisfy, these shoes come complete with game-used sweat and game-used dirt.

Or how about holding the remote with the same glove that protected Ben Roethlisberger's injured throwing hand during his playoff victory over Cincinnati? It's for sale, too.

Along with another 15,000 Steelers-related items listed with the online auction site eBay.com, including Ward's shoes, which recently sold for $490 to a high bidder from Clearwater, Fla.

That was the last of 28 bids.

"These white and black game-used Nike cleats were worn by Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Hines Ward," the Web site read. "Ward wore these cleats during the 2005 season. Ward used a black Sharpie to sign a perfect signature on each cleat."

These shoes were there when Ward went to the Pro Bowl. They were there when he became the league's best blocking receiver. They walked into the end zone 12 times this season. The winning bidder must be thrilled.

But there's one problem.

"I never wore those cleats," Ward said, looking over printed copies of the items for sale while seated at his locker. "Those aren't mine. I've never worn cleats like those."

Not his cleats? Not his dirt? Not his touchdown?

"No," Ward said. "And that doesn't look like my autograph, either."

Maybe that signature isn't so perfect after all.

"People like that ruin it for everyone," said Ward, one of several Steelers players who admitted to having at least once searched eBay for their own merchandise.

There was also a pair of game-used gloves that sold for $301, and Ward said those weren't his either. No need for further review, Ward says someone will be very disappointed.

Thursday evening, searches for "Steelers" turned up 15,244 results, while "Broncos" registered only 9,412 items. And "Panthers" and "Seahawks" both registered in the 5,000s.

But sort through the throwback jerseys, bobbleheads and the hundreds of tickets for Sunday's game in Denver, and there you'll find memorabilia that only a Steelers fanatic could love.

How about a can of Iron City beer from 1975 commemorating the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl victory? According to the seller, this isn't just an ordinary beer. "This can holds the key to the next Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Championship," writes the seller with the username fearisnofactor. (Search eBay for "Magical Pittsburgh Beer.")

Pulled out of storage to help this year's Steelers, the seller urges fans: "Make sure it gets into the right hands, for many wild Broncos, Seahawks and Panthers will try to STEEL its power away."

Oh, yeah, bidding starts at $5,000 for this 31-year-old can, which looks a lot like the dozens that are selling for less than $5.

Or how about a handmade Troy Polamalu ornament? (Search eBay's completed auction items for "Handcrafted Steelers 43"). Consisting of a glass Christmas tree ball adorned with a mane of flowing black hair and a hand-painted No. 43, the ornament holds an uncanny likeness to the Steelers All-Pro safety. Price: $13.

And, of course, there's still Big Ben's glove. Twenty-one bids had been placed for the autographed glove Thursday, with the cost now approaching $120.

Do I hear $125?

Chris Harlan can be reached online at charlan@timesonline.com.