DEVELOPING: Sypher Attorney Says Witnesses "May Have Lied"

((HT: WDRB-TV Louisville))

The attorney for Karen Sypher, who was convicted of trying to extort University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, says prosecution witnesses may have lied during trial.

James Earhart alleged that idea in a motion filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville asking for more time to request a new trial. The motion says "a key witness or witnesses" may have committed perjury.

Earhart doesn't go into any further detail and has requested U.S. District Judge Charles R. Simpson give him another month and a half to investigate his finding so he can request a new trial.

Sentencing is currently set for October 27th...
More when we know more...

2000 UPDATE: According to WLKY-TV in Louisville, the judge has granted the order sought by Earhart...

Psych Eval Requested For Sypher

((HT: WDRB-TV/Louisville))

Federal prosecutors want a judge to order a psychiatric exam for the woman accused of trying to extort $10 million from University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.

In a motion filed Friday, prosecutors say Karen Cunagin Sypher ((pictured, Bill Luster/Louisville Courier-Journal)) may be "so mentally incompetent" that she doesn't understand the legal proceedings or cannot assist in her own defense.

Cunagin Sypher has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of trying to extort money from Pitino and lying to the FBI. She is accused of demanding college tuition for her children, her house to be paid off and $10 million.

Prosecutors have also asked a judge to order Cunagin Sypher and her attorney not to make public evidence turned over in the case.

James Earhart, Cunagin Sypher's attorney, said he could not comment on the exam motion because he had not yet seen it.

Andrew Wolfson's coverage in the Louisville Courier-Journal is in black...