Statement from Duke President Richard H. Brodhead, RE: Dropped Lacrosse Case

Duke University ^ | 4/11/07 | Richard H. Brodhead

[Reaganesque]

Durham, NC -- I join with everyone who cares about justice in welcoming the North Carolina State Attorney General’s announcement that the remaining charges have been dropped against David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann. This announcement comes at the end of an extraordinarily painful year for the young men and their families. They have carried themselves with dignity through an ordeal of deep unfairness.

Let’s be clear about what was said today. The Attorney General did not dismiss the allegations on narrow, equivocal or legalistic ground. He determined our students to be innocent of the charges and said they were “the tragic result of a rush to accuse.” In short, he used the strongest language of vindication.

From the outset, I have been careful to note that these students were entitled to the presumption of innocence and I looked to the legal system to determine the merit of the charges. Now, finally, that process has given us a decision based on a thorough and objective review of the evidence. This is what we have all needed from the start. I trust the State Bar’s review will be equally thorough so that we can understand the District Attorney’s conduct in this case. As for Duke, while not reliving the past year, we won’t be afraid to go back and learn what we can from this difficult experience.

During the past year, the world has known these young men, their teammates and a great university largely through the filter of unproven allegations. I trust that today’s decision will begin a new day for all involved.

[investigateworld]

Hopefully, that POS Meehan, who withheld DNA reports won't escape the coming justice.

And as for that jerk Gottlieb (sp?), where did he ever learn to be an investigator?

What a case of losers.

[utahagen]

You’re right about that, for sure. But I still take heart in what Duke’s President said because I know it’s an indication that he and his cronies are sweating big time. This is one time when I enthusiastically say, “let the lawsuits begin!”

[Just sayin]

I think both would be appropriate. ;)

[HEY4QDEMS]

Besides having deep pockets, I don’t know what civil liability Duke U has in this case.

Nifong does not work for Duke, nor did he act on Duke’s behalf. I think the county is the only real ligitimate target for a suit.

CGM and Nifong can also be sued but they don’t have the deep pockets to make it worth while.

[Reaganesque]

This is what he had to say when this story first broke:

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Durham, N.C. -- Physical coercion and sexual assault are unacceptable in any setting and have no place at Duke. The criminal allegations against three members of our men’s lacrosse team, if verified, will warrant very serious penalties. The facts are not yet established, however, and there are very different versions of the central events. No charges have been filed, and in our system of law, people are presumed innocent until proven guilty. We also know that many members of the team, including some who were asked to provide DNA samples, did not attend the party.

I urge everyone to cooperate to the fullest with the police inquiry while we wait to learn the truth.

Whatever that inquiry may show, it is already clear that many students acted in a manner inappropriate to a Duke team member in participating in the March 13 party. I applaud Athletics Director Joe Alleva for responding to the conduct that is not in question even as we wait for the investigation to determine the truth about disputed parts of the events.

[N3WBI3]

So the presumption of innocence meant suspending the Lacrosse season?

[pblax8]

The office of the president of Duke asked Mike Presseler to resign. Pressler led the team to 3 ACC title and a Division I national championship appearance. Of all Duke atheletes the lacrosse team had the highest GPA and graduation rate. Broadheads thans was his request that Pressler resign.

[Thrownatbirth]

After yesterday’s press conference, I believe those three students are the only evidence of anything positive at Duke.

[CharacterCounts]

He has consistently, from the outset maintained this public position.

On the other hand, he canceled the season and fired the coach.

Actions speak louder than words.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

From the outset, I have been careful to note that these students were entitled to the presumption of innocence and I looked to the legal system to determine the merit of the charges.

BWAAAHAAAHAAAHAAAHAAA!!!!

Would love to see him read this line hooked up to a polygraph. What chutzpah.

[usslsm51]

I have more respect for the scoundrel Nifong than Duke University. They tried and convicted the Duke Lacrosse team without any evidence but a shoddy politician’s word.
The president of Duke is a bald face liar. The evidence will prove it beyond a shadow of doubt. His actions were anything but one of the presumption of innocence.

[Guenevere]

I dearly hope so!

Duke was known as a very prestigious school....

..but Brodhead & his minions sure took care of that!

This school will lose money, power and esteem....and they brought it on themselves.

WHO in their right mind would send their son OR daughter there?

[Grendel9]

Hold on! Brodhead had only been President
of Duke for a year and a half when the
scandal broke. I’m not defending the faculty
or the administration, but his word against
everyone else’s on campus wouldn’t hold
much water when he’s not even tenured. And
it WAS the faculty who came out strongly
against the team and their coach. At that
time faculty were more upset about the team’s
HIRING those “exotic dancers” in the first place.
I know I’d be asking my son, “WHAT THE HELL
WERE YOU GUYS THINKING!?”

[StAnDeliver]

"During the past year, the world has known these young men, their teammates and a great university largely through the filter of unproven allegations. I trust that today’s decision will begin a new day for all involved." -- Dick Brodhead

You're fired.

[piytar]

It's a day late and a dollar short, if you ask me.

I think it's a bit over a year late and several million dollars short. But don't worry, the kids' lawyers are sure to fix that last part...

[Artemis Webb]

“Statement from Duke President Richard H. Brodhead”

Ghost written by Duke U lawyers.

Brodhead is an SOB. I hope the students send him and the gang of 88 to the poor house.

[mimaw]

President Brodhead, You sir are not fit to preside over a university. You let these boys hang out to dry even when it became apparent some months ago that evidence your criminal DA claimed he had was nonexistent and his so-called victim was a lunatic. What became clear to me is that Duke University with 88 staff members of the quality and professionalism displayed by your gang of 88 should not be considered a first class institution any longer and I would hope parents would think two and three times before shelling out big bucks to send their most precious commodity to an institution that lacks integrity and qualified professors. I also hope alumni during the next fund raising drive will tell you to stick it where the sun don’t shine.

[drpix]

"From the outset, I have been careful to note that these students were entitled to the presumption of innocence..."

Here's what the weasel said when the lynch mob was out to get "these students.":
Letter to the Community from President Brodhead (April 5, 2006)

Funny, I can't see a word out of thousands noting a presumption of innocence. I found everything but.

""I have announced today that the men’s lacrosse season and all associated activities have been cancelled. Lacrosse coach Mike Pressler submitted his resignation today to Athletics Director Joe Alleva and it was accepted, effective immediately."

"I assure you, however, that the Duke disciplinary system will be brought to bear as soon as this can appropriately be done." (Note: "as soon as" and not "when and if")

"Quite separate from the criminal allegations, there have been reports of persistent problems involving the men’s lacrosse team, including racist language and a pattern of alcohol abuse and disorderly behavior..."

[CDHart]

E-mail Duke at the following:

john.burness@duke.edu

Carolyn