By Kathy Lynch

**Update**
Karen Sypher was charged with extortion and making false statements to the FBI, in the US District Court today.
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After being in the limelight every moment during the 2008-09 basketball season, most people would not have expected to see University of Louisville Men’s basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino as front page news or as the “more at 11” teaser for local television news stations now.
But this is exactly where Pitino found himself; now that he went public over the weekend stating he had turned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding an alleged attempt to extort money from him.
“I was pretty shocked [when I first heard]. I feel for Pitino, because I know that lots of people will just assume he’s guilty of something terrible,” said Garret Ley, junior biology major.  “I really hope that’s not the case, though; that would be disappointing, especially since he represents the university.”
 A press release from U of L stated the university had been informed that Pitino had contacted the FBI in March and the university was notified of the situation as well.
President Dr. James R. Ramsey said in today’s statement that the university plans to support Pitino and his family during this time, and will leave the investigation to the FBI.
“We cannot comment further about this ongoing criminal investigation.  We stand by Coach Pitino and support his decision to alert the authorities,” said Tom Jurich, director of Athletics.
The person apparently under investigation for the alleged extortion attempt, Karen Sypher, spoke to WDRB local channel 41 recently on camera.  But WDRB said they decided not to broadcast the interview since her accusations could not be verified.  Sypher is the estranged wife of Tim Sypher, equipment manager for the U of L men’s basketball team.
Instead, the news station did broadcast an interview with Sypher’s attorney, Thomas Clay, who said he expects there will be developments in the investigation “fairly quickly.”
Although there have been no further details released at this time, since going public with the situation, students have voiced their support for Pitino.
“I believe it is sad when people are having problems at home and they try to throw a high profile name in the mix, just to build a reputation for themselves,” said Jonathon Toohey, freshman history major.  “[It’s sad] how far greed can push someone to do terrible things and possibly ruin a relationship between a father and his family due to false allegations.”
There are those who look at the situation as proving Pitino is at the top of his game.
“It just goes to show how popular Pitino has become,” said Cara Monaco freshman of undecided major.  “You know you have hit it big once you get blackmailed.”
Even with backing from students and administration, the question remains, what will happen with Pitino’s reputation after all is said and done and what impression, if any, will it leave on U of L?
“I kind of wish the whole thing had remained private, because this will hurt Pitino’s reputation no matter what,” said Ley.