Putin Denies He Stole New England Patriots Owner's Super Bowl Ring

Yesterday came news that Russian president Vladimir Putin possibly stole one of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's Super Bowl rings during a 2005 meeting. Or at least, that's what Kraft told attendees at a gala on Thursday. Today, president Putin is denying that he stole the ring, saying it was a great gift.

Here's Kraft's version of the events:

“I took out the ring and showed it to [Putin], and he put it on and he goes, ‘I can kill someone with this ring. I put my hand out and he put it in his pocket, and three KGB guys got around him and walked out.”

Now Putin's spokesman is saying that yes, there was some confusion, but after a few days it was decided that the ring was a gift.

"What Mr. Kraft is saying now is weird," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "I was standing 20 centimeters away from him and Mr. Putin and saw and heard how Mr. Kraft gave this ring as a gift."

The ring is now residing in the Kremlin's library.

Still, Kraft insists that it was never a gift, but was told to make it seem like one by the White House to avoid a diplomatic incident. Wise choice, Bush White House. If Putin takes something from you, best consider it gone, or better, an awesome gift.