Woman Charged With Extorting Rick Pitino

An equipment manager's estranged wife was charged with trying to extort Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino, at first demanding cars and tuition for her children, then later asking for $10 million, according a federal complaint filed Friday.

Karen Sypher also is accused of lying to the FBI. She appeared in court but did not enter a plea and was released on her own recognizance.

Sypher's husband, Tim Sypher, brought Pitino a written list of demands including tuition, two cars of her choice, her house paid off and $3,000 per month, according to the complaint. Those were replaced with the $10 million demand, the complaint said.

It wasn't clear why she was demanding the money. Court documents say only that Pitino believed it was related to an encounter in 2003.

The charges came less than a week after Pitino said he filed a complaint with the FBI last month claiming he was the victim of an attempted extortion.

Tim Sypher, a longtime aide to Pitino, voiced his support for his boss, while Karen Sypher gave interviews to some media outlets against the advice of her attorney, saying she just wanted to air her side of the story.

Her attorney, Thomas Clay, appeared with her at the courthouse Friday.

Pitino's attorney, Steve Pence, released a statement and said he has directed the coach to have no further comment on the case.

"While Coach Pitino takes no comfort in this prosecution and remains astonished by these events, it marks a turning point that allows him to focus with a clear mind once again on his family and his team," said Pence.