Ex-Yanks pitcher Pavano target of extortion claim: report

Ex-Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano was the target of an alleged extortion plot by a former classmate demanding money and a luxury SUV, according to reports Thursday.

In a police affidavit obtained by the Record-Journal newspaper, Pavano's sister complained that Christian Bedard, 36, was harassing her online and threatened to release private information about her brother, who now pitches for the Minnesota Twins.

Bedard claims he had an "emotional and physical relationship" with Pavano, 36, for three years when they attended high school in Connecticut. Pavano's sister is disputing his claim.

"The only way your brother is getting out of this ... is with a heartfelt apology and a navy Range Rover with tan leather," Bedard wrote to Pavano's sister.

Police seized Bedard's laptop last week, but he's not been charged.

Pavano made nearly $40 million as a pitcher with the Yankees from 2005 to 2008. He declined to comment Thursday, calling it a legal matter, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported.