Statement by Athletics Director Joe Alleva Responding to Student Request to Suspend Season

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

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Durham, N.C. -- I completely agree with President Brodhead’s statement and appreciate his leadership throughout this trying situation. As unsettling as this has been for our entire community, dealing with difficult circumstances is part of the educational process. In a meeting this morning, our student-athletes made it clear to us that their behavior was inappropriate and recommended the suspension of their own season until the legal process is complete. Both President Brodhead and I agreed with them. Quite simply, it would not be in the best interest of the student-athletes, the coaches, or our entire University community to continue competition given the seriousness of the allegations. The Duke University Department of Athletics has always attempted to maintain the highest standards on and off the playing fields, and we will continue to do so as we move beyond the uncertainty in this current situation involving our lacrosse program.