Man behind threat to football players gets sentencing date

FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2018, file photo, Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson throws a pass against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King moved a change of plea hearing from June 18 to July 1, 2020, for Daniel Rippy. Rippy is accused of making an "electronic communication" threat from California during this game between Ohio State and the University of Michigan threatening a shooting and vowing to hurt players on the football team. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) (Jay Laprete, Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – 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.

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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.