LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 20 (UPI) -- Tim Sypher says he is devastated by his estranged wife's alleged attempt to extort money from University of Louisville basketball Coach Rick Pitino.
Sypher has worked as equipment manager for the university's men's basketball program for eight years and was Pitino's personal assistant when Pitino was coach and president of the Boston Celtics.
The FBI is investigating an alleged extortion attempt against Pitino, though neither Pitino, the FBI nor Sypher has said what the attempt involved, The Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal reported Monday.
Sypher's estranged wife, Karen, has been identified as the person making the unknown allegations, the Courier-Journal reported.
"At this point, my primary concern is for my young daughter and four stepsons, both to the impact of their mother's actions on them, as well as the impact on coach's family and the university," Tim Sypher said in a statement released by the university.
Thomas Clay, a Louisville lawyer representing the woman under investigation, said his client has been interviewed by the FBI and "criminal charges" may be brought against her.
