Duke coach comments on lacrosse program

DURHAM, N.C., June 21 (UPI) -- Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski says the troubled lacrosse program has been the most trying time of his 26 years at the school.

Krzyzewski's comment was the first public one on the program but he says he has been speaking behind the scenes, reports the Durham (N.C.) Herald-Sun.

"Behind the scenes I've tried to be very supportive of our athletics department, our coaches, our players, our president and our board of trustees, and lend whatever guidance or insights I might have into the situation," Krzyzewski told a new conference.

The coach said he thinks of Durham as a great community and not in terms of white, African-American or Hispanic communities.

Krzyzewski said without passing any judgment, he showed support for the three lacrosse players accused of raping an exotic dancer hired to perform at a March off-campus party.

"Giving support does not mean you're choosing sides. Giving support is what a university should do ... because we're in the kid business. That's what I've tried to do," the coach said.

He said his support has extended to former lacrosse coach Mike Pressler, who resigned April 5.