Pitino’s Reputation Flies Out of Bounds
Last week, the name Rick Pitino was synonymous with basketball. The current Louisville head coach was associated with more than 30 years of successful basketball coaching in both the NBA arena and competitive NCAA world of college sports.
This week is an entirely different story. Everywhere one looks Pitino’s name is now associated with a sexual indiscretion complete with the salacious, stereotypical components we have come to expect.
According to his own statement, as well as those of the FBI, Pitino a father of five and married to his wife Joanne for more than 30 years, had sex with another, Karen Cunagin Sypher, in 2003. He then admitted to paying Sypher $3000 for what he says was health insurance and she says was for an abortion. The FBI entered when the dalliance turned into alleged extortion, with Sypher demanding college tuition for her children, cars, monthly maintenance and ultimately millions of dollars to remain quiet about the affair.
As this matter heads toward what is likely to be a drawn out court case, many argue it will be difficult for Pitino to carry on as a college coach. Although Pitino says he will not be stepping down, many question his ability to mentor players and maintain a competitive focus.
With his tenuous tenure, Pitino’s recruiting efforts will certainly be affected. In the past, his reputation for grooming future NBA prospects has made a Louisville an attractive choice for the nation’s best high school players. Ironically, his reputation may repel those same prospects.
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