John Oliver Is The Proud Owner Of Russell Crowe’s Leather Jockstrap

The mystery of who dropped $7,000 for Russell Crowe’s leather Cinderella Man jockstrap at auction has been solved. But before you go thinking John Oliver is some kind of weirdo who really wanted Russell Crowe’s jockstrap for a “personal” collection, it’s not like that. It will soon be making its way to one of the last remaining Blockbuster stores in Alaska.

Last week Russell Crowe auctioned off movie memorabilia to raise money for his divorce from Danielle Spencer. The leather jockstrap, which was listed at between $500 to $600,  went for $7,000 came in. An internet rumor sprung up that the buyer was John Oliver. On Sunday night’s episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John first denied he was the buyer, but eventually confessed that he did.

John learned that, despite filing for bankruptcy in 2010, there are four independently-owned Blockbuster franchises still in operation, three of which are located in Alaska. The reason they still exist up there is because internet is spotty and streaming can be a challenge. But there’s a chance that the Alaskan Blockbusters could close. So John decided to get people in the doors with the promise of Russell Crowe memorabilia.

John also purchased several more pieces to make it a Russell Crowe memorabilia collection. The Guardian says John Oliver spent almost $80,000 on various pieces that included:

– Russell Crowe’s director’s chair from American Gangster ($2,928)
– Denzel Washington’s fabric chair back from American Gangster ($3,660)
– The vest Russell Crowe wore in Les Misérables ($14,640)
– The blue satin trunks and robe ($36,600) he wore in Cinderella Man
– The hood from Robin Hood ($13,420)

John offered all the items to the only remaining Blockbuster in Anchorage, Alaska. Kevin Daymude, the manager of that Blockbuster spoke to The Hollywood Reporter yesterday, saying it’s not a gag, and he has let HBO know that he would be “honored” to display it in his store. He thinks it will be very good for business. Sure, but that’s if he’s also willing to install steel bars over the windows and doors. We all know Russell Crowe is full of testosterone-jacked rage, and most of that memorabilia is packed with scent. The stank from the jockstrap alone will inevitably attract angry grizzlies looking to secure their place as the alpha.

Pic: HBO via YouTube