Tribune News Services
Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino told a jury Wednesday that a woman accused of demanding millions from him had sex with him after whispering to him and unzipping his pants in an empty Italian restaurant.
Pitino testified Wednesday that he met Karen Cunagin Sypher on July 31, 2003, at the restaurant where he'd gone following a golf outing.
Pitino said he bought Sypher a drink and the two exchanged small talk after the restaurant closed.
Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino told a jury Wednesday that a woman accused of demanding millions from him had sex with him after whispering to him and unzipping his pants in an empty Italian restaurant.
Pitino testified Wednesday that he met Karen Cunagin Sypher on July 31, 2003, at the restaurant where he'd gone following a golf outing.
Pitino said he bought Sypher a drink and the two exchanged small talk after the restaurant closed.
When he got up to leave, Pitino said she whispered something, opened his pants and the two then had sex "very briefly."
"Unfortunate things happen," Pitino said.
Sypher is charged with extortion, asking for cash, cars and a house to stay quiet about the sexual liaison. She has pleaded not guilty, claiming Pitino sexually assaulted her. Police and prosecutors have said her assault claim lacked merit.
A packed federal courtroom watched Pitino's testimony. Sypher, sitting a few feet away at the defense table, appeared unfazed.
Pitino entered the courtroom briskly wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and red tie. He stumbled a bit while taking the witness stand and gave short answers.
Pitino's much-anticipated testimony marked the first time he's talked publicly about his encounter with Sypher in detail and followed several witnesses who claimed Sypher was acting "flirty" while in the presence of Pitino and his friends.
Tim Coury, the owner of the Italian restaurant where Pitino and Cypher met, told jurors Wednesday that the two were talking and having a drink when it was time for him to close the business for the night.
Coury said he told the two and a Pitino aide to leave through a self-locking door and then went home.
"Unfortunate things happen," Pitino said.
Sypher is charged with extortion, asking for cash, cars and a house to stay quiet about the sexual liaison. She has pleaded not guilty, claiming Pitino sexually assaulted her. Police and prosecutors have said her assault claim lacked merit.
A packed federal courtroom watched Pitino's testimony. Sypher, sitting a few feet away at the defense table, appeared unfazed.
Pitino entered the courtroom briskly wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and red tie. He stumbled a bit while taking the witness stand and gave short answers.
Pitino's much-anticipated testimony marked the first time he's talked publicly about his encounter with Sypher in detail and followed several witnesses who claimed Sypher was acting "flirty" while in the presence of Pitino and his friends.
Tim Coury, the owner of the Italian restaurant where Pitino and Cypher met, told jurors Wednesday that the two were talking and having a drink when it was time for him to close the business for the night.
Coury said he told the two and a Pitino aide to leave through a self-locking door and then went home.
Okay. What's up with the editing dept?!?!
Is it Sypher or Cypher?!?!
"Pitino's much-anticipated testimony marked the first time he's talked publicly about his encounter with Sypher in detail.."
"Tim Coury, the owner of the Italian restaurant where Pitino and Cypher met..."
Anyone who has googled this hound has to feel sorry for Pitino as we all know now how low he will go for some.
Yesterday, Ms. Sypher wore a hot pink, knee-length skirt, high heels and black blouse. What kind of wholesome impression was she trying to leave with the jury? Oh, maybe it was the crucifix dangling from her neck.
Weird.
I am dumb and outdated.
How someone looks is reason to say she is somehow not to be believed? And the story says she was flirty - our sexual mores and opinions about women need to change. Rape may be the only crime that the victim has to prove that the crime occured. . . . .