Basketball Player Accuses Club Chairman of Hacking Email, Demands $25,000

Basketball player Max Heidegger has sent a legal notice to Eldad Akunis, chairman of the Bnei Herzliya basketball club, accusing him of hacking into Heidegger's university email account, impersonating him, and attempting to fraudulently obtain a tuition refund of approximately $14,000. The notice, sent on behalf of Heidegger, alleges serious criminal offenses including hacking, impersonation, and invasion of privacy.

Heidegger is demanding $25,000 in compensation for the alleged wrongdoing within seven days, warning of legal action, including a criminal complaint, if the demand is not met. The notice emphasizes that Akunis, as chairman, is aware of all club activities and that the sum is for settlement purposes.

The dispute arises amidst a contentious contract situation. Heidegger recently signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv, a move Bnei Herzliya opposes, citing a contract clause that allegedly prohibits him from signing with another Israeli team. Both clubs anticipate the matter will be decided in court, though Heidegger is reportedly already with his new team.

Bnei Herzliya responded by calling Heidegger's claims "fabricated and childish," suggesting the complaint was filed two months ago as an attempt to influence an arbitration process. The club stated that Heidegger is trying to claim tuition money the team paid for his upcoming academic year as part of their agreement, an agreement he claims to have canceled. Herzliya believes the complaint is intended to intimidate the club into allowing his "illegal transfer" to Hapoel Tel Aviv and asserts that the matter will be addressed appropriately.