LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The ex-husband of Karen Cunagin Sypher told jurors at her extortion trial that she first claimed Louisville coach Rick Pitino raped her in 2007 when money got tight.
Tim Sypher, a longtime Pitino aide, testified Thursday that Karen Sypher first made the rape allegation in 2007, when their marriage started to deteriorate and finances became an issue. Tim Sypher said his ex-wife in 2009 started talking about things she wanted from Pitino and said, "She's nuts."
Karen Sypher is charged with extortion, lying to the FBI and retaliation against a witness. Prosecutors say she threatened to publicize allegations that Pitino raped her unless he delivered cash, cars and a house.
Just before lunch, Pitino completed his testimony.
The judge ended testimony for the day early Thursday afternoon with Tim Sypher on the stand. He'll return to testify again Friday.
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