A few years ago, there was a major uproar from athletes who couldn’t use their own names to start up web sites promoting themselves because regular folks were so into their favorite athletes, they paid just a few dollars to one of the many companies regulating website domains to make their own “WarrenSapp.com” or “LatrellSprewellNeedsCash.com.” A court decision was handed down saying the only people who had the rights to their own name are the people named as such, and no one else is allowed to use the name without that person’s permission.
One man in New Jersey must not have gotten the memo, nor must he have much financial savvy.
From an Associated Press story today, Daniel Goncalves of Union, NJ (not far from where I used to live…) did something that made no sense:
“Authorities say Daniel Goncalves, 25, of Union, hacked into the online account belonging to one of the owners of the P2P.com domain name. He allegedly shifted ownership to himself and resold the Web site address on eBay to professional basketball player Mark Madsen, a former Minnesota Timberwolf who is now with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Goncalves faces felony charges of theft by unlawful taking or deception, identity theft and computer theft. State police say each of the three counts carried a maximum sentence of 10 years. They expect a formal announcement with additional information this afternoon. “
Now, I’m not against making a quick dollar. Hey, in this economy, everyone needs one. But, seriously…if you’re going to do some illegal act (hacking) to begin with to make that quick buck, go all the way and go for LeBron James or Kobe Bryant. Shaquille O’Neal…those types. Mark Madsen? The Mad Dog? I’m assuming the buy back was $25 and a meal over at McCormick & Schmick’s at the Hackensack Mall. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Madsen said Goncalves could keep the name if he’d pay for Madsen’s dance lessons…
