

The Unlikely Story Behind the Menendez Brothers Basketball Card
In the world of sports memorabilia, every card has its own story. Some cards are cherished for the athletic feats they commemorate, while others gain value through rarity or nostalgic appeal. But one card stands out for an entirely different reason—it unintentionally captures a chilling slice of true crime history.
The 1990–91 NBA Hoops card #205 features New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson in the middle of a bounce pass during a game at Madison Square Garden. At first glance, it’s a straightforward image of basketball action, just like the hundreds of other cards in the set. However, a closer look reveals something extraordinary in the background: two young men sitting courtside, later identified as Lyle and Erik Menendez.

How the Discovery Came to Light
For nearly three decades, the Menendez brothers’ connection to the Mark Jackson card went unnoticed. It wasn’t until 2018, when crime writer Stephen Zerance made the connection, that the image gained notoriety. The discovery sparked a surge of interest, catapulting the card into the realm of pop culture.
What was once a humble sports card suddenly became a prized collector's item. Prices skyrocketed as true crime enthusiasts and basketball fans alike sought to own a piece of this bizarre historical crossover. Some listings have even priced the card as high as $1,500, though eBay briefly restricted sales due to policies against items tied to murder or serial killers.
Recent Bizarre Sports Stories
Share Your Menendez Brothers Basketball Card with Us!
The story of the 1990–91 NBA Hoops Mark Jackson card featuring the Menendez brothers is one of the most fascinating crossovers between sports memorabilia and true crime history. Whether you own one of these cards or have seen it in your collection, we want to hear from you!
📸 Do you have this card? Send us a clear image of your card, and let us know where you found it, when you got it, and if you’ve seen any variations.
💰 Have you sold or bought one recently? Share your experience! We’d love to hear how much the card is going for in today’s market.
🔥 Your submission could be featured! We may showcase your images and stories in an upcoming post about this incredible piece of sports card history.
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