Duke lacrosse starts practice as case lingers
Blue Devils prepare for 2007 after disruption, cancellation of last season
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New ethics charges for Duke prosecutor Jan. 24: Additional ethics charges have been added to a complaint filed against the prosecutor who brought sexual assault charges against three Duke lacrosse players. MSNBC |
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DURHAM, N.C. - The Duke University men’s lacrosse team opened practice for the season Friday, nearly a year after the 2006 season was canceled because of allegations that a woman was sexually assaulted at a team party.
Team co-captain Matt Danowski, son of head coach John Danowski, said the media attention at practice Friday was different from years past but not unexpected. The team is looking forward to the season, he said.
“We have to keep our heads in it and focus on lacrosse and getting better every day,” he said. “If anything, we’ll come out better and stronger from all this stuff, so I think we’ll be fine.”
The Blue Devils played for the 2005 national title and were considered a title favorite in 2006 until the rest of the season was canceled in April, after a 28-year-old woman told police she was attacked at a March team party where she had been hired to perform as a stripper.
Rape charges were dropped in December against Dave Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann, though they still face sexual offense and kidnapping charges. All three have strongly maintained their innocence.
District Attorney Mike Nifong recused himself from the case this month after the North Carolina State Bar accused him of breaking four rules of professional conduct. The bar added additional ethics charges this week.
John Danowski said Friday that he and his players briefly discussed wearing the accused players’ numbers on their helmets in a show of support, but that the team is looking forward to focusing on lacrosse.
“You know, one of the things I said to them today is you don’t have to prove anything to anybody. Just come out here and play,” he said.
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