DURHAM, N.C., March 29 (UPI) -- Duke University's men's lacrosse season has been suspended pending a police investigation into allegations three team members raped a woman at a party.
At a news conference in Durham Tuesday night, university President Richard Brodhead said: "When an issue of this gravity is in question, it is not the time to be playing games," the Durham (N.C.) Herald-Sun reported.
The team's three captains said in a written statement distributed by Duke they "unequivocally" denied the rape allegations, which they called "totally and transparently false," and said they expect DNA tests to clear them.
The allegations were made after a March 13 party, which included exotic dancers and underage drinking.
The investigation is continuing, and no one has been charged with any crime stemming from the party.
There are five scheduled games left in the season, which ends May 7, in addition to ACC and NCAA tournaments. The Duke team had been expected to compete for a national championship, the report said.
