Man behind threat to football players gets sentencing date

By Associated Press 03 October 2020, 12:00AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A California man who used Facebook to threaten a shooting at Ohio State University and vowed to hurt players on the football team and then-head coach Urban Meyer has been scheduled for sentencing later this month.

An indictment unsealed late last year in federal court in Columbus accused Daniel Rippy of making the “electronic communication” threat from California during the game between Ohio State and the University of Michigan in 2018. The game was played in Columbus that year, and Ohio State won 62-39.

The Livermore man threatened a shooting at the school, saying in a Facebook message to the university, "I'm seriously going to hurt the students and all of the players from the football team,” according to a statement of facts filed with Rippy's July plea agreement.

In separate messages, Rippy also threatened “to injure or kill specific players, their family members and the head coach,” the document said.

Federal Judge Algenon Marbley on Thursday set an Oct. 27 sentencing date. Rippy faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A message was left with Rippy's attorney, who has previously declined to comment.

By Associated Press 03 October 2020, 12:00AM

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