DirecTV accuses O.J. Simpson of pirating its satellite signals
By John Pain, Associated Press
MIAMI — Satellite television network DirecTV has accused former football star O.J. Simpson of using illegal electronic devices to pirate its broadcast signals.
The El Segundo, Calif.-based company wants Simpson to pay at least $20,000 for the alleged use of the equipment and attorneys' fees, according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday at federal court in Miami.
Federal agents removed satellite television equipment from Simpson's house in the Miami neighborhood of Kendall during a search Dec. 4, 2001. DirecTV alleges in the lawsuit that the agents removed two pirate access devices known as "bootloaders."
The raid occurred as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Miami-Dade County police were investigating Simpson and others in an alleged Ecstasy and satellite-theft ring. Simpson was never charged.
The devices were being used for the unauthorized decryption of DirecTV signals, the lawsuit said. The company claims Simpson bought, made or distributed the devices and other equipment to steal the broadcasts.
Simpson attorney Yale Galanter denied the lawsuit's allegations.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-03-08-oj-sat-feed_x.htm