Men's lacrosse head coach Mike Pressler has submitted his resignation to Athletics Director Joe Alleva, effective immediately, President Richard Brodhead announced in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
He also announced that the the men's lacrosse season and all associated activities have been cancelled.
The statement comes in the wake of the Durham Police Department releasing two documents: an e-mail sent by one of the players and a search warrant of an Edens 2C Dormitory residence.
The e-mail was sent from sophomore lacrosse player Ryan McFadyen's account, just hours after a March 13 party at which an exotic dancer has alleged she was raped by three players of the team.
"After tonight's show, I've decided to have some strippers over to edens 2c," the e-mail read, the writer noting, however, that there would be no nudity. "i plan on killing the b- as soon as [they] walk in and proceeding to cut their skin off while c- in my duke issue spandex."
Brodhead expressed disgust at the e-mail in a statement.
"The court released today a previously sealed warrant, whose contents are sickening and repulsive," Brodhead said. "While we are prohibited under federal privacy regulations from releasing information regarding individual student disciplinary matters, in situations where a threat to the safety of an individual or members of the university community exists, Vice President [of Student Affairs Larry]Moneta typically executes an interim suspension."
Alleva said in a separate statement that Pressler offered his resignation earlier Wednesday afternoon.
"I fully support President Brodhead's decision to cancel the remainder of the season as well as his outrage at the latest developments involving the men's lacrosse program," he said. "I believe this is in the best interests of the program, the department of athletics and the university."
Brodhead ended the statement by urging anyone with information pertinent to the events to cooperate with authorities.
Pressler spent 16 seasons at Duke, compiling a 153-82 record with three ACC championships, 10 NCAA Tournament berths and an appearance in the 2005 national championship game.
A three-time ACC Coach of the Year and the 2005 USILA National Coach of the Year, Pressler's overall head coaching ledger stands at 229-102 in 22 seasons.
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