The March to Madness

Pitino Says He Is Target of Extortion Attempt (Updated)

Rick Pitino says he is the target of an extortion attempt and the Louisville coach has asked the FBI to investigate.

"I intend to vigorously defend my reputation and the character of my family against any criminal scheme to extort money," Pitino said in a statement.

Attorney Thomas Clay contacted the Louisville Courier-Journal Saturday night and said he represents the woman who is under FBI investigation.

Garnett, Dwight, McGrady, Smith in Adidas Campaign

Kevin Garnett dreams about playing at UCLA in a new commercial for Adidas. More players after the jump.

Laettner and Pitino Recreate 'The Shot'

Here's the new commercial for Vitamin Water featuring Christian Laettner and Rick Pitino.

Inside the Ville

Correspondent Greg made the trek to Louisville for Sunday's game between the Cardinals and DePaul. Louisville was coming off its worst loss of the season, a 33-point setback at Notre Dame. DePaul had lost 12 in a row, so you can imagine what happened. The Cardinals scored the first 13 points and never trailed in a 99-54 victory.

After Pittsburgh beat Connecticut Monday night, Louisville is one of four two-loss teams at the top of the Big East standings. The Cardinals could have a slight schedule edge down the stretch, writes Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal.

More photos after the jump.

Don't Bet Against Pitino's Cards

Joel Huerto is managing editor of One Man Fastbreak.net and a sports consultant with Opposing Views.com. He has been a member of the sports media for almost 20 years, which included nine years as a news editor at the Los Angeles Times. He will cover a variety of topics, from coach and player profiles to hot-button issues. Joel is also known as "maniLA ice" for his cool demeanor in the friendly confines of the YMCA hardwood. He loves to shoot the "tear drop" and prefers to play zone to hide his deficiencies on defense.

The Louisville Cardinals are not a sure bet to win the NCAA title, but coach Rick Pitino should like his Cards enough to go all in come March.

The Cardinals are ranked seventh in the AP poll and undefeated in the competitive Big East Conference, thanks to an NBA-type front line and a coach who has managed to reinvent himself for the fourth time since 1985.

Senior Terrence Williams, junior Earl Clark and freshman Samardo Samuels are athletic and versatile. Clark, one of the most underrated players in the country, is a 6-9 forward capable of playing all five positions. Samuels is a 6-8, 240-pound force on the block and Williams, a member of the conference Honor Roll, is a 6-6 swingman who fills up the stat sheet. Guards Edgar Sosa and Jerry Smith complete the five-Card stud lineup.

No. 1 No More — Pittsburgh Falls to Louisville

Louisville has five wins in 14 days after taking handing No. 1 Pittsburgh its first loss, 69-63, at Freedom Hall.

Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal writes: "Name a team that has done more the past two weeks. Maybe Wake Forest, with its victories against North Carolina and Clemson — and the Demon Deacons will become No. 1 with Pitt's stumble."