Sports and the Law - Famous sports people are often the target of blackmailers

Legislation

Numerous depending on various state jurisdictions

Issues

Sports people can be easy prey for blackmailers and extortionists. Whilst at the height of their careers, sports men and women can be big fee earners and commanding enormous popularity. Sadly they are only human with human failings and weaknesses. They can easily be exploited by unscrupulous individuals intent on “cashing in” on their fame and fortune.

Case History

Craig was a well known cricketing great who had become a millionaire property developer. He succumbed to the not altogether unfamiliar trait of exhibitionism by displaying himself in sex tapes. His problems were minimised as the partner in these tapes was actually his wife (A public figure who undertakes such amusements with a mistress or girlfriend in the absence of a spouse is really creating a recipe for disaster). Despite being at minimal risk, Craig still had a public reputation to uphold and so when the tapes were “obtained” by unscrupulous individuals who threatened to publish them on the internet, Craig acted somewhat irrationally by acceding to the blackmailer’s demands. I say irrationally because blackmailers are notorious in not sticking to their end of the bargain. After all, why would they give up an easy “meal ticket” ?

The extortionist had had possession of the tapes since 2003 but curiously did not commence his move on Craig until 2006. Sometimes extortionists do this whilst waiting for investments to mature, rather like holding share certificates for some time prior to sale. In this case though the perpetrator had acquired a fondness for “ice”, his addiction and subsequent financial troubles prompting him t action. Initially he told Craig he would release the material on the internet unless he was paid $5,000. Over eight months Craig acceded to the blackmailer’s demands for regular payments of $5,000 until the point when the extortionist uplifted his game to claim a payment of $10,000. This was after he had already pocketed $35,000 ! By this time Craig had seen the light, realising that blackmailers have no principles. He approached the police who apprehended the culprit while he attempted to secure his booty at the “ransom drop.”

What lessons should sports people learn from this ?

Sports men and women are very public figures attracting a fairly large following of fans and supporters. As such, given their level of income, they are clear targets for blackmailers and extortionists.

Given the high risk of blackmail it is a wise precaution for members of the sporting fraternity to keep their personal and business lives as “blemish free” as possible, especially in relation to such matters as sexual activities, social contacts and gambling contacts.

Emailing and other electronic mail should be restricted to business or “socially acceptable social discourse"

At no stage should any sexually explicit material be posted on any website or sent via any electronic mail carrier.

If a victim of extortion or blackmail one needs to undertake some serious soul searching in consideration of the fact that blackmailers who find an easy mark”are unlikely to give up. They certainly will not honour any undertaking or offer they make. Remember their motivation is money, not observing any moral code.

One must seriously consider disclosure of the matter to anyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by the threats of the extortionist (eg wives, girlfriends, children, employers, sports clubs, agents friends). Remember even if you resist, the extortionist may approach any or all of these contacts.

Without doubt the best course of action after the disclosures is to approach the police authorities for their assistance. That is what they are trained to do and best equipped to assist you in your situation. In Craig’s case the outcome was successful and immediate.

How can a lawyer assist ?

These times can be very emotional and trying. It is hard to think calmly and logically in such circumstances. A lawyer can give calm logical advice, unaffected by any emotional or psychological pressure. Any matrimonial problems arising can be addressed at an early stage and appropriate advice given. Letters can be written to affected persons in order to discreetly address any problem areas. If required a lawyer can assist in the initial approaches to the police authorities.

How can we help you ?

We are happy to attend to your problem in a calm sympathetic manner and will at all times act discreetly and confidentially. If we can assist you, in any way we will but if we feel you may be best to proceed in another direction, we will certainly so advise you.