Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino is the men's basketball coach at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

In May of 2009, Pitino denied rumors that he would leave Louisville to coach the Sacramento Kings in the National Basketball Association.ESPN.com: Louisville: Pitino Says He's Staying Put

On April 18, 2009, he released a public statement saying he was being blackmailed. Media sources named Karen Sypher, the estranged wife of his basketball equipment manager Tim Sypher, as the perpetrator of the extortion attempt.Courier-Journal: FBI investigating Pitino's extortion claim (April 19, 2009)

In his statement to the press, Pitino said that he and his family were recently threatened "as part of a criminal scheme to extort money" and that he had turned the case over to the FBI. His note did not name the individual, but WDRB TV named Karen Sypher as the perpetrator and Pitino said he would not "take issue". WDRB has taped an interview with Karen Sypher about the allegations, but currently have no plans to air it.Courier-Journal: FBI investigating Pitino's extortion claim (April 19, 2009)

In a separate statement, Tim Sypher said he was devastated by the "bizarre allegations that my estranged wife is making against both Coach Pitino and myself."Cardinal Sports: Pitino responds to strange situation (April 19, 2009)

• ESPN.com: Louisville: Pitino Says He's Staying Put (May 8, 2009)

• Courier-Journal: FBI investigating Pitino's extortion claim (April 19, 2009)

• Fox Sports: Pitino: I told FBI I'm a victim of extortion attempt (April 18, 2009)

• Courier-Journal: U of L equipment manager statement (April 19, 2009)

• Cardinal Sports: Pitino responds to strange situation (April 19, 2009)

• University of Louisville: Rick Pitino Profile

• Wikipedia: Rick Pitino

• Fox 41: Rick Pitino says he's victim of extortion attempt (April 18, 2009)