Karen Cunagin Sypher

Karen Cunagin Sypher is 49 years old, the wife of the Cardinal's equipment manager. The news about Karen Cunagin Sypher is that a central investigation is going on, and it may be illegal charges placed against her because the coach of Louisville basketball men’s team Rick Pitino has brought to the attention of the FBI.

Rick Pitino told to Louisville Metro Police that he had consensual sex with Karen Cunagin Sypher, the woman that accused him to rape her. The allegations made by Karen Cunagin Sypher were initially denied by Pitino as he said that Karen was trying to extort him. She indicted of trying to extort millions of dollars from Louisville Coach Rick Pitino.

This incident happened at a Louisville Restaurant on August 1, 2003. Pritino had been drinking at restaurant. According to Karen’s allegations, Pitino raped her after the restaurant closed. Pritino denied that allegation. Louisville Metro Police told that Pitino met her again with same propose at a different place. He asked her to have an abortion and then he handed Karen $3,000. These reports were acquired under the Kentucky Open Records Act by the Courier Journal.

Pitino told that he did not want to make this matter public; he recently learned that the individual behind this extortion attempt has already gone to the media with false, defamatory and outrageous allegations in an attempt to pressure him to cave in to this scheme. He wants to make it clear that he intend to vigorously defend his reputation and the character of his family against any criminal scheme to extort money. He is hopeful that the media and public will recognize the slanderous nature of this direct and malicious attack.

Karen Sypher was silent at her accusation, but she was proven innocence by reporters afterward. Her lawyer specified he might seek a change of place due to extensive publicity. Other criminal complaint that her demands included college tuition for her children, two cars, her house to be paid off and $3,000 per month. The demand was raised to $10million at later, according to complaint. Sypher was separated wife of a longtime Pitino. She told reporters that the charges had created “a very dark cloud” for her family, and “very unjust to her, very unfair”. She was encouraged by her supporters. She told that she will not break and she believes in justice system.

Sypher was greeted by eight supporters outside of courthouse. They made hand signs of “Leave Karen Sypher Alone”. She also accompanied by two of her sons. She was hugged by them, the group of family and friends, who accompanied her to the courtroom. She faces seven years in prison and $500,000 fine which is the maximum, if she convicted the charges. The case became public last month when Pitino gave the statement that someone had tried to extort him. When Sypher was named in the criminal complaint, she surrendered to authorities a few days later. Authorities have not try about reality but they told coach believed it was related to an unspecified 2003 encounter with her.