It was May 30, 2005 and I was sitting in the stands of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia watching the Duke lacrosse squad battle for the National Championship with No. 1 Johns Hopkins.
With less than a minute remaining in the third period, the Blue Devils hung on to a one-goal lead, and I had visions of witnessing the eighth NCAA title in Duke's illustrious history. But minutes later, that opportunity had vanished-Johns Hopkins had escaped with its first lacrosse title since 1987.
I was pretty upset at the time. More than anything, I felt bad for Duke's players. I especially sympathized with the seniors because I knew that the rest of the team would have another chance this season.
With many of Johns Hopkins' stars graduating, the 2006 National Title seemed like the Blue Devils' to lose.
Boy, was I wrong.
Now that the players' attorneys have said that DNA results do not match any of the players, however, the topic must be discussed-how fair was the punishment President Brodhead meted out?
To be honest, I haven't completely decided myself, but it is a necessary debate to help set a future precedent. It is doubtful that this is the last instance in which a group on campus will have a misstep and the University will have to decide a fate prior to the justice system.
When I first heard the allegations and the punishment, I supported President Brodhead's decision to indefinitely suspend the team.
And if the alleged victim's claims are eventually proven true, I would have no qualms with the University suspending the lacrosse program for a period well beyond this year.
There are certainly issues that the Duke administration and the athletic department need to deal with in terms of the behavior of the lacrosse team. It is entirely unacceptable for a team as high-profile as Duke lacrosse to have a laundry list of mistakes so long.
People on campus have worried for years that the actions of the lacrosse team were a public relations accident waiting to happen-ask anyone who has ever been to a tailgate.
As Blue Devil athletes, these players should unquestionably be held to a higher standard than a typical Duke student. Since the allegations have come up, questions have been raised about oversight from both former head coach Mike Pressler and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva.
It makes total sense for the entirety of the program and its members to face a critical evaluation by the powers that be, and I fully understand why President Brodhead chose to cease the program for the remainder of the season.
But as more and more evidence arises that begins to questions the validity of the alleged victim's claim, I can't help but feel a hint of sympathy for certain members of the team.
The 11 seniors on the squad have poured so much blood and sweat into turning this lacrosse team that had a 13-15 combined record their first two seasons into a NCAA contender their final two years.
Hour after hour, they practiced in the scorching North Carolina sun on those painful turf fields just for a chance to take home a National Championship.
One embarrassing party-and a possibly baseless rape allegation-later, three years of hard work have gone for naught. Not only is it possible that no charges will ever be brought, but it is undeniable that several uninvolved players have been punished, as well.
For these players, even if it was merely the few who did not attend the fateful party, it can't help but tug on at least one string somewhere deep in your heart.
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