AP Photo (Coach Rick Pitino married to Joanne)
We are hearing words of sympathy for Coach Pitino, his wife, Joanne, and his family. And we should. But our hearts must ache for Joanne Pitino who joins the ranks of wives and mothers tarnished by adultery.
The story of adultery is becoming all too common -- an indiscreet move on the part of their husbands' leaves the families vulnerable. In the world of politics it was Elizabeth Edwards and more recently Jenny Sanford. Love and marriage gone awry.
But what is happening with the Pitino family as a result of the allegations and accusations is reaching disturbing proportions. (See photo at end of the woman who has accused Pitino.)
As the story unfolds, it seems that Coach Rick Pitino, of the University of Louisville, had an apparent consensual sexual liaison. When the woman announced she was pregnant he gave her money for an abortion. But it is alleged that extortion demands escalated.
What is so sad about this case is the number of people involved and hurt – families, a team, a school. Pitino has a wife and five children. It's a mess really for a team that often travels with Pitino's close friend, a Catholic priest.
Statements from U of L: According to USA Today: “U of L Athletic Director Tom Jurich said in a statement Tuesday that ‘Coach Pitino has been truthful with us about this matter all along and we stand by him and his family during this process.’ University President James Ramsey released a statement Tuesday night saying: ‘Several months ago Coach Pitino informed me about the alleged extortion attempt. I've now been informed that there may be other details which, if true, I find surprising. My thoughts are with Coach Pitino and his family. .’" USA Today.com/sports/college/mensbasketball
According to an AP story: "Pitino is Catholic and brings along close friend and spiritual adviser, the Rev. Edward Bradley - a priest in Henderson, Ky. - on many team trips. Bradley often prays with the team before games and is a fixture near the Louisville bench.
"There was no answer late Tuesday at the priest's office where he also lives. " Canadian press/
Catholic priest comment: Did someone really think a Catholic priest would comment? The Ten Commandments are quite clear on this one -- Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery.
But the New Testament also notes, "Let he who is not guilty cast the first stone."
With all the infidelity going around these days, there may not be a lot of stones left to be cast.
And there are too many marriages and families experiencing the pain when someone breaks a marriage vow. WebMD/overcoming-infidelity
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AP / Bohannon of Karen Cunagin Sypher Wednesday-eyeopener-1.html
Copyright 2009 Rita Watson
Comments
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The # of instances of infidelity we hear about is an indication of the larger # we don't hear about since we're only hearing about the husbands that get caught! It's clear the current model of marriage is outdated in 21st century metropolitan life. It's based on the model used during the agrarian era when most of us lived short lives on farms in small towns and got around by horse! Not only do most of us live around big cities, but we live beyond our 60s and we have a few ways to get around town, the region, and the country. So these days we have a lot of opportunities and a lot of ways to meet a lot of attractive people. Unless you work at home and never go out, it's highly unlikely you're only going to meet one person who wets your whistle!
So where is the photo of Joanne?
Not sure why the words of sympathy for Rick Pitino, unless the statement was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the spin doctoring coming out of Louisville. Pitino has admitted to adultery, yet we are to feel sorry for the guy? Give me a break - if this guy had been a lowly basketball coach at a small college, he would have been placed on leave by now while lawyers worked out the details of a severance package. But we're talking about Rick Pitino, someone who brings millions of dollars to Louisville. If anything brings him down this time, it will be the abortion bit. But people will find a way to excuse his behavior (let's blame it on the God complex of overpaid college coaches!) and demonize Karen Sypher, whose husband - the equipment manager for Pitino's team, no less - appears to be coated in Teflon despite allegedly been the one who brought the woman's demands to Tricky Rick. Something tells me the story is far uglier than we might think, with no true nice characters...
As always, my thanks for your comments.
Spartans -- I think you may be one among many waiting for another shoe to drop.
Charlie -- Thus far no AP Photo of Joanne has surfaced.
Victors -- yes there is more opportunity for infidelity, but there is also more opportunity for drugs, road rage, and activities that hurt others.
My neutral but opinionated thoughts -- cheating by any other name is cheating. And I am so sad for the family. / R
As a Roman Catholic, I wonder if the church will have different rules for those with money. Will Patino still be able to receive sacraments such as Holy Communion for supporting and abortion and cheating on his wife.
One other thing. What about his status as a role model for his students/players, i.e., pay for your mistake (with money) and it will go away.
you are wrong. Sypher's husband had nothing to do with it. She hired a friend to confront Pitino and he was given a light sentence. Ignorant comment.
Why can't married men keep their "pee pee" in their pants???
.I know that you are to suppose to forgive people for their sins. I think in this case you shouldn't because every since this affair came out rick pitino hasn't done anything for the men basketball team he had a team last year that was a championship team, but when all this mess came out I felt like he is not doing his job his just going through the motion. I think its only fair that we get a coach that can get us a championship in the ville its been a longtime waiting. I will pray for his wife because no wife deserve to be cheated on.
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