Kentucky Basketball: is it Cursed?

The past few weeks in Kentucky basketball suggests that perhaps the state of Kentucky is cursed. Incidences involving the University of Louisville's basketball coach Rick Pitino, former University of Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie, and current UK coach John Calipari have tainted the basketball image we're so proud of. From an extramarital affair and abortion, to underhanded practices by former team members, to a DUI, Kentucky basketball has all the unwanted drama.

Rick Pitino, University of Louisville Men's Basketball Coach

Maybe Pitino can relax somewhat now that the spotlight is temporarily shining on former University of Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie who was arrested for DUI on Thursday, August 27, 2009. Surely, though, Pitino will be the one standing in the last act of this recent saga having become involved in a scandal of extramarital sex, abortion and extortion. In short, Pitino says he had consensual sex with Karen Sypher, (soon to be the ex-wife of U of L's equipment Manager Tim Sypher), who became pregnant after the tryst in August, 2003. Because Sypher didn't have insurance, Pitino gave her $3000 to have an abortion. Sypher, on the other hand, states Pitino raped her twice and is begging the public to believe the truth will soon prevail in this sordid mess.

Before Pitino's side of the story was recently made public, Sypher had been charged by the FBI with trying to extort millions in "hush money" from Pitino. Sypher potentially faces a 7 year sentence for both lying to the FBI and extortion attempt.

John Calipari - Current Coach of the University of Kentucky Wildcats

John Calipari, former University of Memphis men's basketball coach, is tied to the ugly mess in which the NCAA ordered Memphis to vacate 38 victories in its 2007-2008 season because of a player's ineligibility. In addition, Memphis will have to return money that it earned from participating in the Final Four 2008 tournament.

Calipari is not new to being stripped of great achievement. In 1996, UMass had to vacate their Final Four appearance because of a player's illegal involvement with an agent.

Perhaps Calipari can breathe a sigh of relief as he was not cited in either case. Still, though, Kentucky fans must wonder if Calipari's tarnished image is a thing of the past, or a red flag waving warning and impending doom.

Billy Gillespie - Former Coach of U of K

Billy Gillespie was charged with DUI in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on August 27. Lawrenceburg is located approximately midway between Lexington and Louisville.

According to the report by police, Gillespie was traveling in a white 2009 Mercedes with Texas Tags when passersby reported it swerving. Police stopped Gillespie and charged him after realizing his stumbled gait and "fruity" breath that smelled of wine. In turn, Gillespie pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.

Kentucky fans are anxious to put these incidents behind them and rightfully anticipate a much smoother sailing season when it gets underway for both Kentucky and Louisville. Let's hope this is the end of the drama and just the beginning of a fantastic and memorable year in Kentucky basketball history.

Sources: www.courier-journal.com/sports/