Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Jerry Sandusky's Wife Tries To Run A Reporter Over

Verdict In: Karen Sypher Found Guilty On All Six Counts, Including Extortion, In Rick Pitino Trial

Do you want major updates to this story in your Facebook News Feed?

Original Story

Verdict In: Karen Sypher Found Guilty On All Six Counts, Including Extortion, In Rick Pitino Trial

Rick Pitino just got a big win, this time time off the court. Karen Sypher, who had accused Pitino of raping her seven years ago, was found guilty of all six charges levied against her, including extortion, by a Kentucky jury, according to Kentucky Sports Radio.

The Sypher story was a particularly sleazy one, with a slew of embarrassing details coming out about Pitino. He and Sypher had met in 2003 at a restaurant, and ended up having sex on a table in said restaurant. Sypher became pregnant, and demanded money from Pitino. He gave her $3,000 that he claims was for medical bills, and she says was for an abortion.

By 2009, Sypher and her then-husband (who was a former Pitino aide) began blackmailing Pitino, calling him to demand cash, cars and a house from him for their continued silence. Pitino reported her to the FBI, at which time she accused him of raping her in 2003. Sypher's credibility was called into question, however, due to her inability to remember key details about the tryst and her lack of any corroborating evidence.

The trial lasted eight days, with Pitino the star witness. Sypher declined to testify; the defense actually declined to call any witnesses.

Sypher could face up to 26 years in prison after being found guilty on all charges, although the Louisville Courier-Journal reports that it's most likely she will serve a seven-year jail sentence.

Feb 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the first quarter at the Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Knicks Down Wolves For Fifth Straight, 100-98; Jeremy Lin Hits Go-Ahead Free Throw

COLUMBIA, MO - FEBRUARY 11:  Michael Dixon #11 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates with Marcus Denmon #12 and Steve Moore #32 after scoring during the game against the Baylor Bears on February 11, 2012  at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

College Hoops Saturday: Mizzou Rolls, Tar Heels Bounce Back, Spartans Top Buckeyes

PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 11:  Tiger Woods reacts to his tee shot on the 12th hole during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links on February 11, 2012 in Pebble Beach, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Charlie Wi Leads After Three Rounds, Tiger Woods Making A Charge