School investigates Instagram account using coach’s identity without permission

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – The Hamilton Southeastern School District said it has investigated an Instagram account bearing the name of the head football coach for the high school and has determined someone is using his identity without his permission.

The account in question recently posted a nude photo, and residents in Fishers were concerned about the post.

“Well it’s disgraceful, and I would use a stronger word and I would say that’s despicable,” Fishers resident George Babbitt said.

“I thought it was a little inappropriate,” said Fishers resident Courtney Herd. “It definitely isn’t something that their students or even their athletes should be seeing.”

The post featuring nudity was deleted and a new post appeared with the caption, “I sincerely apologize to all my players and all my FHS families.”

On Tuesday, 24-Hour News 8 talked to Wimmer on the phone. While he would not speak on camera, he did say that he knew nothing about the social media page.

“I am a social media idiot, and anyone who knows me, know that I wouldn’t do (post) that,” said Wimmer.

24-Hour News 8 also contacted the school district, who released the following statement:

Hamilton Southeastern Schools has investigated the existence of an online account operating in the personage of Fishers High School Head Football Coach Rick Wimmer. The account in question is using Coach Wimmer’s identity without his permission. Mr. Wimmer has reported the unauthorized activity.

If that’s the case, some said it’s troubling someone would go to this extreme. “He could potentially lose his job over this, if he didn’t do this,” Herd said.

“If it is in fact someone who has a grudge against him and it’s found out, well, then he’s innocent,” Babbitt said. “And he’s been unduly, unjustifiably attacked by someone who wants to smear his name.”

Wimmer hasn’t been available for comment since the school district released their statement.