The Karen Sypher Trial: A Train Wreck of the Highest Order

Over the course of the summer leading up to the Karen Sypher trial -- in which Sypher is charged with attempting to extort money, houses, cars, and her kids tuition from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino -- I must confess I had no interest in the trial.  None whatsoever.

I figured, if even half of what I had read about this incident were true, then she would probably be found guilty, and sentenced to some much needed therapy, if that's a possible sentence in a case like this.  Now, I don't mean to understate the "despicability" of falsely accusing someone of rape, but, Sypher so obviously is "bothered," in my (layman's) opinion, that prison seems to not be the solution to her seemingly mental (health) shortcomings.  Kind of like Jeffrey Dahmer; Sypher needs to be studied, not imprisoned in an 8 x 12 cell for the next five years.  But, either way, I was and am not heavily invested in the proceedings or the outcome.

Another aspect of this whole affair that is a bit bothersome, is that although I don't care much for Pitino, I don't wish upon anyone, friend or foe, the nightmare that his indiscretion has unleashed on his life.  Afterall, he has a wife and kids, and people who care about him.  And being in the eye of the media hurricane, with his sins on display for everyone to see ... well, I just wouldn't wish that on anyone.  We've all made mistakes, but it's only the famous and infamous who have their dirty laundry aired in such a public forum.

So, when I discovered that KentuckySportsRadio's Matt Jones was going to be visiting the courthouse every day, and blogging what he witnessed, I thought; "Obsessed much with this, Matt?"  It just seemed so unnecessary.  But hey, Jones is a lawyer, and I guess that's what lawyers do.

And then I read "Day One" of Jones' account, after telling myself I wasn't going to put any time or effort into keeping up with this spectacle.  And like a rubbernecker passing the train wreck or car collision, I was riveted.

You just can't make this stuff up.

The characters that fill in the margins, the details, the almost surreal quality of the testimony on what happened that night at Porcini's; all of it is fascinating.  And the manner in which Jones relates the events of the day is such that one can't wait to read what happens next.  And I must say, Jones deserves kudos for his "straight reporting," with only a dash of his opinion included in his posts.  For someone who (like me, Tru and so many other bloggers), gives opinions almost on a daily basis, it must be a real challenge to not intertwine ones own thoughts, but Jones has found a way to quash his natural urge to wax eloquent about the trial.  And in all honesty, the facts of this case are not in need of opinions to spice them up, or make them more palatable.

So, if interested, here are the links to Matt Jones' trial diary, beginning with his first entry.  But please be advised, these posts are Rated R, and one may feel the need for a cleansing shower after reading:

Opening Arguments

Day Two

Day Three A

Day Three

Day Four

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!