A Response From Topps?

Back on February 2, 2008, I had a run in with "Darren Clarke" on eBay. Click the Darren Clarke label at the bottom of this post to read the previous entries of this saga.

To make a long story short, I was harassed by someone claiming to be Darren Clarke. This person claimed that I was selling a fake autograph of him in my eBay store. I explained nicely to this person about pre-printed autographs on the Topps 52 cards, but apparently this person wasn't impressed with my knowledge of cards.

I wrote this to The Topps Company on the morning after.

I have been contacted by Rockies pitcher Darren Clarke through my eBay store. He claims that I am selling a fake signature of his. I am selling his 2007 Topps 52 card #157. He claims that the signature is not his and that he never signs his middle name. I explained back to him that it was a pre-printed signature and that it most likely came from a contract he signed. Looking at his blue autograph card from the Topps 52 set, the signatures look nothing alike. He claims the signature is not his on the base card and doesn't believe Topps would fake a signature. Can anyone explain where this signature came from?

Today, at 11:42 AM Central time, I finally got a response from Topps about the incident. The following is from (MARVIN).

Dear Mr. (last name removed),

Thank you for taking the time to contact the Topps Company. We truly apologize for the delay in responding to your email inquiry.

A copy of your email was forwarded to our sports department at Topps. They will review the matter regarding the autograph that appears on the base card in the Topps Rookies 52 product. If you receive any further communications from Mr. Clarke regarding this matter, please have him or his agent/representative contact the Topps corporate office at 212-376-0300 to speak with a representative in our Sports Department.

Again, I apologize for the delay in response. Do not hesitate to contact our Consumer Relations Team by phone at 1-800-489-9149 or by email at support@etopps.com if you have any other questions. A representative will be available to assist you between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm (ET), Monday through Friday.

Sincerely,
Consumer Relations Team
The Topps Company

Umm... yeah. I feel very confident in that response. I'm not jumping for joy or holding my breath for an answer. I basically got a form letter peppered with specific references to my query. I didn't even get an answer to my one question. Where did this signature come from?

I will continue to keep everyone posted as this situation further develops.