Indictment in Pitino case

Louisville, Ky. — The estranged wife of a longtime aide to Rick Pitino was indicted Tuesday on federal charges of trying to extort money from the Louisville men’s basketball coach and lying to the FBI.

Karen Cunagin Sypher, 49, faces a combined maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted of the two charges, federal authorities said. Sypher is the estranged wife of Louisville equipment manager Tim Sypher. Karen Sypher’s attorney, Thomas Clay, said she would plead not guilty during her arraignment today.

USC coach accused

Los Angeles — A former associate of NBA player O.J. Mayo has told Yahoo! Sports that Southern California basketball coach Tim Floyd paid to help get Mayo to play for the Trojans.

In a story posted Tuesday night at Yahoo! Sports, Louis Johnson, the former associate of Mayo’s, said Rodney Guillory told Johnson that Floyd had given Guillory “a grand.” Johnson said he was able to view $100 bills inside an envelope Guillory had.

Johnson said the payment occurred in 2007. Guillory is a confidant of Mayo’s; last year, Johnson accused Guillory of providing Mayo with improper benefits from an agent while the guard played for USC.

Purdue coach selected

Indianapolis — Purdue coach Matt Painter will be one of two assistant coaches for the USA Basketball Under-19 World Championships team. Painter will join Jamie Dixon of Pittsburgh, the team’s head coach, and Chris Lowery of Southern Illinois on the U.S. staff for the 16-team tournament July 2-12 in Auckland, New Zealand. The Americans’ preliminary round opens July 2 against Iran.

Utah coach gets raise

Salt Lake City — Utah has rewarded basketball coach Jim Boylen with a raise and new contract after just two years on the job. Utah announced Tuesday that Boylen has signed a five-year deal that will pay him $850,000 annually with potential for $1 million with incentives.