In a surprising turn of events, the former linebacker for the NFL’s Giants Blake Martinez Pokemon cards scandal has made the news, which included claims of the famous former player scamming people in the marketplace.
After retiring from professional football last fall, Martinez ventured into the realm of collectibles, particularly rare Pokémon cards, and initially achieved remarkable success with reported earnings exceeding $11 million. However, less than a year into his new business endeavor, the shine has worn off as allegations of scamming customers have led to his permanent ban from a well-known online marketplace.
We really appreciate the community’s commitment to reporting trust & safety issues. Our priority is ensuring a fair and honest experience for customers and upholding our community guidelines. After a comprehensive investigation into Blakesbreaks’ operations we have decided to…
— Whatnot (@Whatnot) August 4, 2023
Background of the Blake Martinez Pokemon cards scandal
At the heart of this controversy is “Blakes Breaks,” the collectibles company Martinez established to capitalize on his knack for discovering top-tier Pokémon cards and merchandise. This bold venture emerged from Martinez’s extensive research, a pursuit he undertook during the latter stages of his impressive seven-year NFL career, which notably included a short stint with the Raiders in 2022.
The downfall began when several disgruntled customers took to Reddit to voice their grievances against Blakes Breaks. Accusations ranged from unfulfilled orders to merchandise that never arrived. Responding to these serious allegations, the Whatnot marketplace announced a thorough investigation that culminated in the expulsion of Martinez’s Blakes Breaks account from their platform.
In a statement, Whatnot expressed gratitude for the community’s vigilance in reporting trust and safety issues, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining an equitable and honest experience for all customers. The decision to permanently remove Martinez’s enterprise, along with any personnel involved in misconduct, highlights the marketplace’s dedication to preserving its integrity. It was also revealed that restitution had been provided to all affected buyers as a result of the infractions.
In the midst of the controversy, Martinez himself addressed the swirling rumors in an Instagram video just prior to the official announcement by Whatnot. While he didn’t delve into specific actions or apologize for any potential missteps, he acknowledged changes within his team and sought to downplay the gravity of the mistakes made in Blakes Breaks’ interactions with customers. Martinez stated, “I understand the optics. I know the type of business I run… I made a good amount of money — everybody knows, in the NFL — (and) I knew stepping into this (I) was going to have a target on my back.”
Reflecting on his sports career, Martinez made a name for himself during his initial four seasons with the Packers. His standout performance as a starting linebacker earned him a lucrative three-year, $30 million contract with the Giants in 2020. Unfortunately, his trajectory took a downturn as he was released by the Giants after just two years and went on to play a mere four games with the Raiders in 2022 before deciding to retire.
The story of the former player’s foray into the world of Pokémon and the Blake Martinez Pokemon cards scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of transitioning from a high-profile sports career to the realm of business and entrepreneurship. The allure of quick success can sometimes cloud the judgment of even the most seasoned professionals, reminding us all that careful research, ethical practices, and a commitment to customer satisfaction are the cornerstones of any successful venture.
Meanwhile, if you’re more interested in the game itself rather than the Blake Martinez Pokemon cards scandal, make sure to check out our article on where to watch Pokemon Presents in August 2023.
Featured image credit: NY Giants / YouTube
