Laremy Tunsil, the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft, may be a step closer to learning who was behind the draft night social media hack that reportedly cost the former Ole Miss lineman millions of dollars.
According to CBS Sports, which cited a report from the Palm Beach Post, the Dolphins believe a former financial advisor who worked for Tunsil is responsible for posting a video to the player’s Twitter account just before the draft. The Palm Beach Post did not name the advisor, but reported that Tunsil had let the man go before the draft.
Nothing has been confirmed. Tunsil’s attorney, Steve Farese, did not confirm that a former advisor was the person responsible. He did say he no longer believes Tunsil’s stepfather was involved. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, Farese said the stepfather was the obvious suspect at first, but that the theory no longer made sense to him. After the draft, the stepfather, Lindsey, denied any involvement in the hack.
Whoever is responsible could face serious consequences. Reports note that unauthorized access to someone’s social media account can violate the Stored Communications Act, which carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years. Tunsil could also pursue a civil case over the money he reportedly lost when he slid down draft boards.
Tunsil was still selected in the first round and signed a rookie contract with guaranteed money, though reports estimate the hack cost him a significant amount compared with where he was expected to go.
Baller Alert will keep you posted as more details come out.
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