The Houston Astros are predictably fuming over the security breach that led to 10 months of internal trade talks being leaked and posted on an anonymous hacker-type website Saturday, and they say they intend to prosecute those involved.
The team issued the following statement Monday regarding the leak:
“It is unfortunate and extremely disappointing that an outside source has illegally obtained confidential information. It does appear that some of the content released was based on trade conversations, a portion … was embellished or completely fabricated. We have been working closely with MLB security and the FBI to the determine the party, or parties, responsible. We intend to prosecute those involved to the fullest extent,” said the statement according to the Houston Chronicle’s Evan Drellich.
The Astros say they have upgraded their system since being hacked. GM Jeff Luhnow described the leaks as frustrating.
Computer hacking crimes can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on what kind of damage was done. The crimes can be punished by time in prison and/or fines.
The two pranksters who recorded a phone call between former Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix and Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik and sold the recording to Deadspin had their charges from federal prosecutors dropped. They got off with community service and 18 months of conditions. What was done in this instance is much worse, so we’re expecting a harsher punishment, though not something incredibly severe.
