Man Tried to Blackmail Giants Coach: Feds

Suspect targeted Coughlin in alleged bid to frame ex-co-workers

By Lev Weinstein, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 15, 2008 1:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Philadelphia man faces federal extortion charges and 2 years in prison after confessing to attempting to blackmail Giants coach Tom Coughlin, the New York Daily News reports. The coach received letters purportedly from two women 2 weeks ago and notified the NFL, which passed along the evidence to the FBI, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

The women have never met Coughlin, but the letters said they had had sex with him and threatened to tell his family if the coach didn't pay them $10,000-$15,000 each. The suspect, who made bail and may have to undergo a mental-health evaluation, told an FBI agent he had written the letters to seek revenge against the women for work-related matters.

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New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin watches players stretch during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin speaks with reporters after a practice session during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)

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"I turned them over to the league authorities, as was recommended, and it's in their hands. And that's all I can tell you. Whoever leaked information or put it out there did not inform me that this was going to take place."
- Tom Coughlin on the letters

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Man Tried to Blackmail Giants Coach: Feds