Ordeal Ends for Duke Lacrosse Players.

FINNERTY, Collin; EVANS, David; SELIGMANN, Reade; NIFONG, Michael Byron, 1950-; DUKE University; LACROSSE players; INDICTMENTS; MISCONDUCT in public office; COOPER, Roy, 1957-; UNIVERSITIES & colleges; SPORTS; ACTIONS & defenses (Law)

DURHAM County (N.C.); NORTH Carolina

The article discusses the decision by the attorney general of North Carolina to drop all charges against three Duke University lacrosse players accused of rape. The three players, David Evans, Collin Finnerty, and Reade Seligmann, were indicted on rape, sexual assault, and kidnapping charges after a stripper hired for a team party alleged that the three players attacked and raped her. North Carolina attorney general Roy A. Cooper III decided to drop the charges after significant inconsistencies developed in the allege victim's story. Duke University has been criticized for suspending Finnerty and Seligmann and not defending the players against the false accusations. The players are considering a civil suit against Durham County district attorney Michael B. Nifong.