The ramifications of the outrageous Duke lacrosse case continue to mount. The latest is a ruling from a federal judge that allows 38 unindicted players, and the three falsely accused players, to proceed with many claims against Duke University and the City of Durham. Some claims were thrown out by the judge. I encourage you to read the entire story in the Duke  Chronicle.

Two of the three suits were brought against Duke and the City of Durham as well as individuals for their roles in the 2006 lacrosse case, in which exotic dancer Crystal Mangum falsely accused three Duke men’s lacrosse players of rape. Mangum is not named as a defendant in the cases. The individuals bringing these suits were never charged with any crimes.

“We are heartened by the judge’s carefully considered decision permitting the lacrosse players’ primary claims to move forward,” attorney Charles Cooper, who represents 38 of the unindicted players, said in a statement. “We will immediately begin taking extensive discovery and preparing the case for trial.”

Robert Ekstrand, an attorney for three other unindicted players, did not respond to requests for comment.

The third suit, brought by the three players who were wrongly charged with rape and other crimes, is directed at the City of Durham and related individuals. The players—David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann—were ultimately declared innocent and Mike Nifong, the district attorney who bungled the case, was disbarred and jailed for a day. The three have already settled with the University, so Duke is not a defendant in their suit.

 

And now, check out the Durham spin machine: (emphasis is mine)

Beverly Thompson, Durham’s public affairs director, said in a statement that the city is hopeful the cases will ultimately be decided in its favor.

“The city is gratified that the court has dismissed many of the plaintiffs’ claims and has narrowed the issues raised in these cases,” she wrote. “We believe the court correctly dismissed the punitive damages claims against the city and are pleased and encouraged by that favorable determination.”

The City is “hopeful” and “gratified” about the ruling? Yeah, right. The City should be really, really concerned and embarrassed.