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Judge changes rules in Ky. extortion case

Louisville Cardinals' head basketball coach Rick Pitino UPI/Bill Greenblatt/Files
Louisville Cardinals' head basketball coach Rick Pitino UPI/Bill Greenblatt/Files | License Photo

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 29 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Kentucky ruled reporters can talk to a woman who allegedly extorted University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.

U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson III released narrower guidelines barring reporters from interviewing Karen Cunagin Sypher while court is in session, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported. His previous order, challenged by The Courier-Journal and other news outlets, seemed to ban all attempts to interview Sypher.

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Sypher, married to the university's equipment manager, allegedly demanded cars and money from Pitino, threatening to expose their sexual encounter at a restaurant in Louisville in 2003. Investigators said she also had her divorce lawyer send Pitino a letter saying she would expose "allegations of a criminal nature" unless she was paid $10 million.

A prosecutor determined Sypher's story that Pitino raped her had no foundation. He has admitted having consensual sex.

Sypher is to go on trial in July.

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