Reactions to Rick Pitino from around the web

Deadspin: "Why is it the abortion aspect of this story that's jumping out at people? It's the one part of this story that's a real surprise. We're accustomed to our athletes cheating on their wives. It's nothing new to see them accused of rape. And, almost as often, we see the cases against them fall apart.

But abortion's a new one. I can't remember a single story where it played a major role, and make no mistake, Kentucky's a part of the country where this is a BIG deal to many people. It's a novelty to sportswriters, and one they're not entirely prepared to deal with. So in the days and weeks ahead, expect to see that dominating the ledes even though, not coincidentally, it's the one part of this that Pitino least wanted to get out."

Gary Parrish of CBSSports: "I'm not sure whether the lesson is to be faithful to your wife or fearful of crazy women, but there's a lesson in there somewhere, I'm certain. And what's up with this Tim Sypher character? How can you marry a woman six months after she had an abortion due to your boss getting her pregnant? Isn't that a bit weird? Unless, of course, he was under orders from Pitino, who might've figured the best way to keep this woman quiet was to have his friend marry her.

You know, keep your friends close and affairs closer.

(Or something like that.)

I guess I could be serious about all this, but, really, what's the point? It's such a strange situation on a lot of different levels, and the only people I can muster any sympathy for are Pitino's wife, Joanne, and his children -- particularly Richard Pitino, who was on the Louisville staff until this offseason and thus in the middle of a circus where he almost certainly found himself torn between being loyal to his boss and angry at his father."

NVR1983 at Rush the Court: With what we know now, can we say that these moves were just coincidences? That Richard Pitino simply wanted to get out from under his father’s shadow and stake his own claim? That Ralph Willard wanted less responsibility as a coach, was ready to leave a place he loved, and just wanted the chance to coach with his old friend again? Or were these moves representative of a head coach and a father who was getting a few affairs in order? Was Pitino getting his son Richard out of the media maelstrom he knew was probably coming, asking an old friend and protege in Billy Donovan to take care of his son and let him continue his coaching education in case these personal matters took a bad turn? Was Pitino bringing in a high-quality coach and old friend like Willard to be his lead assistant and possibly take over Pitino’s Cardinal program in case the Sypher situation started to blow up and Pitino needed to leave the spotlight for a while? Knowing what a calculating man that Rick Pitino is, it’s hard — in fact, next to impossible — for me to think that these moves were simply coincidental. No, from our view – Rick Pitino knew this thing was percolating and likely to explode, and he was making sure certain valuables were protected.

Given how ridiculous the entire story is one would expect that Pitino should come out of this relatively unscathed (professionally-speaking – we’re sure that Mrs. Pitino, on the other hand, has tightened that leash significantly). One might also expect the release of this information to be enough to kill any potential civil suit that Sypher has, but judging by her reported history in the article we’re guessing this isn’t that last we will hear of her. If this story and the Ben Roethlisberger story have taught guys out there anything (other than ESPN reports what it wants when it wants), it is this: if she looks or acts a little crazy and you’re a celebrity worth millions, just walk away because there are plenty of other women out there who won’t make your life a living hell after one encounter.

Matt Norlander of College Hoops Journal: "Pitino now only has one way to “win” this. That’s by coming forward, offering as many I’m sorry’s as possible and taking the brunt of this head on until the stink washes away. Still, knowing Pitino (which, I don’t), I’m guessing he’ll deflect, deflect, deflect. Remember, the case is still going to trial, so the wall of lawyers will have him zip-lipped until then, at least. There is no court date set as of yet.

I don’t think his job is in jeopardy— the president of UL’s statement doesn’t seem to indicate that — but hiding from this will only make things shadier and worse for him and the team (can’t wait to see those Big East games on ESPN!) in opposing teams’ arenas in 2009-10."

850 the Buzz: "Now, if this was a simple case of an affair between the Cardinals basketball coach and Karen Cunagin Sypher — nobody would blink an eye. That’s not an endorsement for running around on your wife, it’s just how these things work in the news cycle. A sports figure, entertainer or politician gets busted for cheating once a week.

If the game of life were a pinball machine, abortion would be a flashing tilt sign. All of the sudden, we’ve stepped in the religious/political world where the issue is routinely used to wedge the electorate. Ain’t nothing Pitino, or anyone for that matter, can say to change the way people feel about it. This story has all sorts of weird stuff, from getting it on in a restaurant to Pitino’s assistant marrying her 6 months later. The word “abortion” is the shiny object. Will he survive the backlash?"