The FBI is investigating an alledged extortion attempt against Louisville coach Rick Pitino, according to a report by USA Today.

The allegations became public late Saturday when Pitino and the university issued a statement that did not give details. Pitino said he reported the matter to the FBI last month.

The Associated Press reported Sunday that Karen Sypher, estranged wife of Louisville equipment manager Tim Sypher, is the one being investigated.

Pitino said in a statement Saturday night that he had planned to keep the matter private but was forced into action when the individual ? whom he did not name at the time ? decided to go to the media. The statement did not detail the nature of the threats.

"I recently learned that the individual behind this extortion attempt has already gone to the media with false, defamatory and outrageous allegations in an attempt to pressure me to cave in to this scheme," Pitino said.