Karen Sypher (Picture) Is Rick Pitino Extortioner?
Posted Apr 19, 2009 by Lindsay Britney
Karen Sypher & estranged husband Tim Sypher Picture
Karen Sypher, the woman behind Rick Pitino extortion? Karen Sypher, pictured above, was named as the extortioner of Rick Pitino, coach of University of Lousville men’s basketball team Cardinals, by WDRB (Fox41.com). Karen Sypher is the estranged wife of UL basketball equipment manager Tim Sypher.
UL coach Rick Pitino said he was a target of an extortion attempt now being investigated by the FBI according to the reports. Mr. Pitino reported the threats to the FBI in March but gave no any details of the person he accused to the media.
According to Courier-journal.com, a FBI spokesman confirmed that Pitino told the agency last month that he “was the victim of an apparent extortion and we have an ongoing investigation into the matter.”
It sounded Rick Pitino was extorted by a woman for the money. And the woman is under investigation by the FBI. In a video report on Fox41.com, the Fox affiliate news station identified her as Karen Sypher.
Karen Sypher had had given an exclusive interview to Fox41’s Candyce Clifft. It was understandable that she must have spoken hard words against Pitino during that interview (though not aired).
Instigated by Ms. Sypher’s accusation, Rick Pitino who originally did not want to talk about the extortion matter had gone public.
“I 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 me to cave in to this scheme,” Pitino said in a statement.
“I want to make it clear that I intend to vigorously defend my reputation and the character of my family against any criminal scheme to extort money.” He continued.
“I am hopeful the media and public will recognize the slanderous nature of this direct and malicious attack.”
#Permalink Tags: Crimes, Extortion, Karen Sypher, Rick Pitino, Woman
