Sex, adultery, abortion, rape, extortion and an FBI probe are just of few of the unusual pieces of this story. Rick Pitino even admits to a portion of the allegations, but adamantly denies others.
So, what happened? Good question - from all the above pieces of the puzzle, the only one that seems to be in contention is the rape charge and perhaps the extortion.Pitino, a married man, admits to having sexual intercourse with then Karen Cunagin (later Karen Cunagin Sypher after marrying Louisville's equipment manager Tim Sypher) in a bar back in 2003. It appears that Mrs. Sypher became pregnant as a result of this tryst and came to Pitino for money to pay for an abortion. Money, in the amount of $3000.00, was admittedly provided to Sypher.
Cunagin Sypher allegedly started to make more demands on Pitino. Demands for expensive personal items and ultimately $10 million dollars, in exchange for her continued silence about their physical relations.The FBI became involved and investigated the matter. From their investigation they concluded there was evidence the Mr. Pitino was indeed being extorted by Cunagin Sypher. A federal grand jury examined the evidence and apparently agreed there was sufficient evidence to charge Mrs. Sypher with conspiring to extort money from Pitino, and also for lying to the FBI.
It wasn't until about 2 months after the indictment was returned that Mrs. Sypher alleged she had been raped by Pitino. Not once, but on two occasions. Once in the bar and then apparently a few weeks later in a different location.Police investigating the allegations apparently do not believe there is any truth to them and have not brought charges against Pitino. Cunagin Sypher claims she was just scared.
There was a witness to the sexual encounter in the bar, a witness who said all he heard was the sound of two people enjoying a sexual encounter. Cunagin Sypher even drove Pitino home (after allegedly raping her).The university and the sports department at University of Louisville are standing behind Rick Pitino and are viewing him as the victim in these events.Sure, there's got to be more to the story on both sides, there always is. That will all come out in the weeks and months ahead. So, for now, what do you think?Participate in our poll and we'll give you the opportunity to win a $250 grocery card (U.S. only):
Do you think Rick Pitino is guilty of raping Karen Sypher?Yes - I think he is guilty
NO - I do not think he is guilty
(Select one of the above for a chance to receive an iPod Touch!)
