The University has settled with former men's lacrosse coach Mike Pressler over claims that a Duke official slandered him, University officials announced in a statement today.
Pressler resigned from the University in April 2006, as the University and Durham Police investigated allegations related to the Duke Lacrosse case.
He later sued the University alleging that John Burness, Duke's spokesperson at the time, slandered him in conversations with reporters after Pressler left the University.
Keith Lawrence, director of media relations, e-mailed The Chronicle a statement from Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations:
"Coach Michael Pressler is an excellent coach. He did a great job building the Duke men’s lacrosse program, while maintaining a 100% graduation rate in his sixteen years. Duke University regrets any adverse consequences that the Newsday or AP article had on Coach Pressler or his family. Duke wishes nothing but the best for Coach Pressler in his future endeavors, especially at Bryant University and as he leads Team USA in the world lacrosse championships. The University will have no additional comment on this matter."
Reach by phone, Schoenfeld declined to discuss the terms of Pressler's settlement with the University.
"The statement represents the sum total of our comment on this matter," he said.
Raleigh attorney Jay Trehy, one of Pressler's lawyers, declined to comment on the settlment.
Pressler and Burness could not be reached for comment.
The initial brief filed in the case is below:
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