In a shocking turn of events, former NFL assistant coach and University of Michigan co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss is facing serious legal troubles. An indictment, filed in federal court in Detroit, reveals that Weiss allegedly hacked into the computer accounts of thousands of college athletes, reportedly seeking intimate photos and videos. This striking case raises pressing concerns about privacy and security in college athletics.
Weiss, who had stints with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Michigan coaching staff in 2021, faces a total of 14 counts of unauthorized computer access alongside 10 counts of identity theft. The timeline of his alleged activities spans from 2015 to 2023, during which he purportedly accessed databases of over 100 colleges and universities maintained by a third-party vendor, Keffer Development Services. According to the indictment, he is accused of downloading personal information and medical data of more than 150,000 athletes.
Described in the indictment as a “computer whiz,” Weiss reportedly mastered the art of bypassing security measures by “cracking the encryption protecting the passwords,” aided by his online research. This led him to access the social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes, including over 1,300 students and alumni nationwide.
What makes these allegations even more disturbing is the targeted nature of Weiss’s actions. The indictment specifies that he primarily focused on female college athletes. His methods involved thorough research based on school affiliation, athletic history, and physical characteristics, all with the apparent intent of obtaining private images that were never meant to be shared beyond intimate circles.
Disturbingly, Weiss maintained meticulous notes on the photos and videos he downloaded, making comments about the athletes’ bodies and preferences, and sometimes revisiting accounts in search of new material. This adds a chilling layer to an already unsettling narrative about the intersection of technology and privacy.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the seriousness of these charges, stating, “Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens.” This case is not just about individual transgressions; it underscores the broader implications of computer security within sports and the safeguarding of personal information.
Weiss’s career has taken a significant hit following these allegations. He was fired from his position at Michigan in 2023 after failing to cooperate with the school’s investigation into his computer access. Prior to his termination, he had built a career spanning over a decade with the Ravens, working under coach John Harbaugh before transitioning to Michigan to join Jim Harbaugh’s staff.
While Weiss’s future in court remains uncertain, the impact of these allegations resonates beyond the individual. As this case unfolds, it prompts critical conversations about the protections in place for athletes in the digital age and the responsibilities of those in power to safeguard their well-being. This story is far from over, and it will surely be a focal point within both the sports community and the legal arena as it progresses.
