I think the key is to educate young women about keeping themselves out of these types of situations. Unfortunately, there is no realistic way you can convict someone for rape when they do it to someone who is highly intoxicated. Women need to protect themselves in these situations - the law just can't do it.
I agree completely. 90% of reported rape claims are false. The percentage that go unreported is of course indeterminable.
I was a naive college freshman, also on my university crew team, and had never had a sip of alcohol until the first weekend in the dorms. Many times I drank way too much and I was most fortunate that no one took advantage of my intoxication. Fortunately, I realized quickly that I needed to moderate my drinking, and that enjoying a nice microbrew (or two) on a Saturday night while watching movies was a lot better than going out and getting royally trashed.
I found that the "athlete" culture at my university revolved around drinking and recreational drug use (with the exception of a handful of high profile, nationally known athletes). Several teammates were functional alcoholics, although I didn't realize it until after I quit the team my sophomore year to focus on academics. Our coach did little to discourage "party" behavior as long as team members continued to show up to all practices.
I'm not saying I believe this girl's story automatically - but intoxication does not equal consent, and it is a shame she didn't come forward immediately when physical evidence could be collected to support her story. It would be helpful to know if others heard the alleged rapists' confessions later on.