• Former Michigan coach Matt Weiss faces 24 federal charges, including unauthorized computer access and identity theft.
• Allegedly hacked accounts of over 2,000 athletes, targeting female athletes for intimate content.
• Misused access for years, leading to his firing in January 2023 after university investigations.

Matt Weiss, a former co-offensive coordinator at the University of Michigan, is now facing over 20 federal charges tied to allegations of hacking personal accounts belonging to thousands of college athletes and students nationwide. This case, marked by accusations of unauthorized access and identity theft, unveils a troubling misuse of trust and technology within the collegiate sports world.

Federal Charges Unveiled

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced on Thursday that Weiss is charged with 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment reveals that Weiss allegedly hacked into databases storing sensitive information about college athletes at over 100 universities, exploiting that data to infiltrate private accounts.

Prosecutors allege that between 2015 and January 2023, while Weiss was employed first by the Baltimore Ravens and later Michigan, he gained access to databases maintained by a third-party vendor. Using this information, he reportedly hacked into the email, social media, and cloud storage accounts of over 2,000 athletes and more than 1,300 additional students or alumni.

Allegations of Targeting Women Athletes

The indictment paints a particularly unsettling picture, accusing Weiss of targeting female athletes based on their school, sports records, and physical traits. Once inside their accounts, he allegedly downloaded intimate photos and videos meant for private sharing. Adding to the severity, the indictment says Weiss researched personal details like pet names, birth dates, and mother’s maiden names to guess or reset passwords. The government also claims he meticulously documented these women’s physical features.

Long-Term Misuse of Access

Shockingly, Weiss is accused of repeatedly accessing some accounts months or even years after initially hacking them, searching for new content. His alleged actions continued even after suspicions surfaced during his tenure at Michigan. In December 2022, Weiss was placed on leave after being linked to illegal activities at Schembechler Hall, the university’s football facility.

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He was fired in January 2023 after failing to attend a meeting with university officials addressing the allegations. Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel released a statement at the time, noting, “After a review of university policies, the athletic department has terminated Weiss’ employment."

Weiss' Career Before Charges

Before joining Michigan, Weiss worked with the Baltimore Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh. He later spent two seasons at Michigan under John’s brother, Jim Harbaugh. Federal investigators allege Weiss began his illegal activities while still with the Ravens, expanding the scope of his breaches over several years.

A Serious Breach of Trust

This case raises serious concerns about the misuse of sensitive data in sports and highlights the need for stricter safeguards. For athletes and students, safeguarding private information has never been more crucial.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the allegations against Matt Weiss? How can schools and sports organizations better protect their data? Let us know in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please share it widely through your social media and visit The Dupree Report for more in-depth coverage of ongoing investigations and breaking news.

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