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, alleging that Akunis hacked into Heidegger's university email account, impersonated him, and attempted to claim a tuition refund of approximately $14,000. The notice, sent on behalf of Heidegger, claims Akunis committed serious criminal offenses, including identity theft and invasion of privacy, by changing Heidegger's password and requesting the refund from Reichman University.

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 asserts that Akunis, as chairman, is aware of all club activities and acted with malicious intent.

This 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 settled in court.

Bnei Herzliya responded to Heidegger's allegations, calling them "fabricated and childish." The club claims the complaint was filed two months ago as an attempt by Heidegger to claim tuition money the team had already paid for his upcoming academic year, as part of their agreement. Herzliya asserts that Heidegger's true motive is to influence an arbitration process and pressure the team into allowing his "illegal transfer" to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The club stated that the matter will be addressed appropriately in due course.