Durham, N.C. — Duke University said Wednesday it hopes to reach a fair resolution with unindicted members of its 2006 men's lacrosse team who are reportedly considering filing a lawsuit.
"Duke University has been in discussions with representatives of the families for many months and is happy to continue discussions with their new representatives," according to a university statement.
Forty-six of the team's 47 players were required to give DNA samples under a non-testimonial order in March 2006 after an exotic dancer reported being raped, sexually assaulted and beaten by three white team members.
In the days and weeks that followed, the team postponed two games and was later suspended from play for the rest of the season.
News of the alleged attack also sparked days of protest at Duke and in Durham, with protesters handing out and posting fliers bearing the photos and names of the lacrosse players.
Eighty-eight Duke professors and staff also endorsed a full-page advertisement in the student newspaper, which some say they feel were convicting the lacrosse players before anyone was charged.
The lacrosse players remained relatively quiet about the case but, through their attorneys, denied the allegations. They did admit to underage drinking.
The case ultimately unfolded with the three accused teammates – Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and David Evans – being cleared of charges of first-degree rape, kidnapping and sexual assault.
Duke has already settled with at least five parties. In June, Duke settled with all three men, but the terms were never disclosed.
The university also reached a financial settlement with former lacrosse coach Mike Pressler, who was forced to resign shortly after the rape allegations surfaced. Terms of that agreement were not disclosed either.
And in May, it settled a suit filed by one of the undindicted players who claimed he received a failing grade in a class because he was a member of the lacrosse team.
Duke 'in Discussions' With Unindicted Lacrosse Players
145 Comments
-
- Wake school board passes budget reductions
Updated 8 minutes ago |
- Recordings suggest chaotic scene at deputy-involved shooting
Updated 58 minutes ago - Easley, Perdue confident proposed stimulus will help N.C.
Updated 33 minutes ago |
- Mugging prompts increased patrols in downtown Durham
Posted 36 minutes ago - Execution stayed for former Bragg soldier
Updated 21 minutes ago
- Wake school board passes budget reductions
- Most Viewed Slideshows
- Howliday Photo Gallery
Jan 8, 2008 - Pet Photos | December 1 - December 7, 2008
Updated 58 minutes ago - The week in photos
Nov. 28, 2008
- Howliday Photo Gallery
-
10 questions with Nicholas SparksAuthor Nicholas Sparks answers your questions about battling writer's block and writing romantic story lines.
-
10 questions with John Paul Womble - The Alliance of AIDS ServicesJohn Paul Womble answers your questions about contracting AIDS and myths surrounding the disease.
-
10 questions with Hurricanes' Goalie Cam WardCam Ward answers your questions about winning the Stanley Cup, superstitions on game days and smack talk on the ice.
(22 votes) deer gets revenge after hunter shoots him
(18 votes) jason young quiet on wrongful death lawsuit
(5 votes) wake schools asked to cut $5.7m
-
49th Annual WRAL-TV Tower LightingWRAL-TV's tower has been changed into a 300-foot Christmas tree, with 2,805 colored lights and three stars on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.
-
The week in photosA look at the top news, politics and sports stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Gallery: Black Friday shoppingA look at shoppers across the country on Black Friday.
-
The week in entertainmentA look at the top entertainment stories this week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Apex vs. Wake Forest-Rolesville (November 28, 2008)Wake Forest-Rolesville beat Apex 35-7 in the third round of the NCHSAA 4-AA playoffs.




STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.