(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Onterrio Smith's original Whizzinator to be auctioned off tonight in Shakopee
The most famous prosthetic unit in Minnesota sports history will be up for sale tonight at an auction in Shakopee.
August 28, 2009 at 4:25PM
The don't-miss event of the year (which we unfortunately have to miss) is happening tonight at the Shakopee Auction Center.
As part of an auction of seized items, the infamous Original Whizzinator that ex-Viking tried to sneak through airport security, presumably to pass a drug test, will be auctioned off tonight.
Yes, this is real. Colleague and friend of RandBall Patrick Reusse had this on his radio show this morning. You can listen here. He even interviewed the auctioneer.
He sent an urgent message to us a little while ago, and we did a little digging. It appears, according to the auction web site, that things kick off around 6:15 p.m. The following items will be included:
Player Collectibles: The "Whizanator"; 2005 MN Vikings Play Book marked "Smith"; Player Glove; Player Photos; Vikings Warn Up Clothing; Riddell Helmet; Onterrio Smith September 2003 Game Ball (Mn vs. GB); Other Game Balls (some signed); FUBU, Enyce, Gucci, NLB, PHAT Farm; Air Jordan and other high end clothing; Nike Tennis Shoes; Panasonic 5 Disc AM/FM Tuner Surround Sound System; 2004 Sony Rear Projection HD TV; JCV Rear Projection TV (repairable).
They even have a picture of all the items ... including, yes, the Whizzinator.
We have no idea how much a "game-used" Whizzinator might fetch, but we have to imagine the sentimental value will far outweigh any practical value. If anyone goes down to the auction, we would love to get a full report.
(Photoshop image found here).
The sides have a contract after there was some speculation the team would seek another broadcast partner.
