NFL coach added to lawsuit about hacking allegations against former assistant
NFL coach Jim Harbaugh has found himself embroiled in a lawsuit against the University of Michigan and a former assistant football coach accused of hacking into the computer accounts of college athletes in search of intimate photos. The lawsuit alleges that Harbaugh, along with other university officials, were aware of the misconduct but failed to take immediate action.
The controversy surrounds Matt Weiss, a former co-offensive coordinator at Michigan, who allegedly accessed private information on a computer in December 2022. Despite this knowledge, Harbaugh and university officials allowed Weiss to continue working and even participate in a national playoff game just a week later. This decision has sparked outrage among students and parents who feel that student welfare was put at risk.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Detroit, also names Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel as a defendant. The lead lawyer in the case, Parker Stinar, criticized the university for delaying meaningful action until after a crucial game, indicating that student safety was not a top priority.
Weiss, who has been charged with identity theft and unauthorized computer access dating back to 2015, is accused of targeting over 2,000 college athletes and 1,300 students or alumni to obtain private images, primarily of women. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
The updated lawsuit claims that Harbaugh’s lack of oversight allowed Weiss to continue his predatory behavior unchecked. It alleges that Weiss was able to target female student athletes due to his position within the football program, highlighting a failure in basic protection measures.
The lawsuit recounts how a staff member witnessed Weiss viewing private information at the football team’s headquarters in December 2022, leading to his eventual termination in January 2023 following an investigation. Harbaugh has maintained that he was unaware of Weiss’ actions until after the playoff game and expressed shock at the allegations.
Weiss, who previously worked with Harbaugh’s brother, John, on the coaching staff of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, joined the Michigan team in 2021. The lawsuit reveals that authorities discovered thousands of intimate photos and videos on Weiss’ electronic devices and cloud storage accounts, indicating the extent of his illicit activities.
The case continues to unfold as the legal battle intensifies, shedding light on the importance of safeguarding student athletes and upholding ethical standards in collegiate athletics. The repercussions of this scandal are far-reaching, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and misconduct in the sports industry.
