The Duke Lacrosse case began with initial claims of a gang rape against members of the team in March 2006, as the university shut down the season and soon replaced the coach, with some players taking leaves as investigations unfolded. Charges against the players ultimately dismissed, and the program resumed under a new coaching staff. Duke lost two games in response to acknowledged inappropriate behaviors by lacrosse team members, and later revised player status to administrative leave before inviting back in good standing as the case evolved. The DA pursued investigations into multiple players, but the case evolved beyond as prosecutors dismissed charges and the program moved forward. Overall, the episode left lasting questions about responsibility and led to reforms within the program. Sources at Duke and major outlets reported the developments as the legal and athletic consequences continued to unfold. The episode resulted in the team renewed focus under new leadership and ongoing scrutiny from the university community.
Duke later modified the status of the two players to “administrative leave” and, soon after it became clear in court that Nifong’s statements were not credible, invited them to return in good standing, months before Cooper’s decision. In addition, in an effort to create a fresh start for the program, Duke replaced Coach Mike Pressler with an interim coach and, subsequently, with John Danowski, who previously coached the lacrosse team at Hofstra University.
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www.cbsnews.comDuke forfeited two games in response to acknowledged inappropriate behaviors by lacrosse team members. Subsequently, with the Durham district attorney saying he was investigating 46 players for possible involvement in a gang rape, President Brodhead decided it was inappropriate for Duke to keep playing lacrosse. "Sports have their time and place, but when an issue of this gravity is in question, it is not the time to be playing games," Brodhead said. … On April 5, he accepted the resignation...
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