A federal judge has ruled against Matt Weiss, the former co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Michigan. He is facing serious charges, including ten counts of aggravated identity theft. Weiss was indicted in March for allegedly stealing private videos and photos from over 3,300 student-athletes, mostly women, from more than 100 universities.
According to federal prosecutors, Weiss hacked into personal accounts to access and download intimate content. Reports say he even took notes commenting on the athletes’ bodies and preferences.
Weiss’ defense argued that using stolen passwords is like using a stolen key to open a door. However, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds disagreed, emphasizing that unauthorized access to someone’s digital accounts can be part of identity theft. “The law isn’t designed just for physical keys,” she explained.
If convicted, Weiss could face significant prison time. The ten aggravated identity theft charges carry the harshest penalties, and he faces a total of 14 counts of unauthorized access. In addition, over 70 women are suing him, claiming he unlawfully accessed their accounts to steal personal photos.
Weiss was let go from Michigan in January 2023 after two years with the program. His alleged actions reportedly trace back to his earlier coaching days with the Baltimore Ravens, where he was part of the staff for over ten years. If convicted on all counts, he could face over 70 years in prison.
This case points to a worrying trend. Recent surveys show that a significant number of college athletes feel their privacy is at risk, with over 60% concerned about unauthorized access to their personal content. Experts stress the importance of protecting sensitive information, especially for individuals in the public eye.
For more detailed insights into privacy rights and protection, you may check the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
