Russian President Vladimir Putin got the last word Friday on the Super Bowl ring he allegedly took from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. And Putin doesn't remember a thing.
"You know, I do not remember either Mr. Kraft or the ring," Putin said, via AFP. "They handed out some sorts of souvenirs. But if it is such a valuable thing to Mr. Kraft and his team, I have a proposal.
"We will ask our enterprises to craft a really good, noticeable thing -- so it is clear that it is expensive, made of a good metal, with a rock -- so that this jewel is passed on from generation to generation in the team whose interests Mr. Kraft represents.
"I think that this would be the most intelligent ... solution to such a difficult international problem."
Yep, Putin brought out the "I don't even remember that guy" move. Rare, but devastating.
Kraft reportedly told a story last week about how he once showed his Super Bowl ring to the Russian president, with Putin pocketing the ring. Putin's spokesperson later denied the story, saying Putin was given the ring as a gift. The Patriots later released a statement saying the story was told for laughs, all the while complimenting Putin's economic policy.
Whether Putin remembers it or not, the ring remains at the Kremlin.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
