3 lacrosse players reportedly seek $30M

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The three Duke lacrosse players wrongly accused of rape in North Carolina have reportedly asked for $30 million to settle a lawsuit.

While local officials and lawyers for the three young men have not confirmed the amount, many local residents say the news reports have made them less sympathetic to the players, The Raleigh News & Observer reported. If Durham actually paid out that amount, it would average out to $142 for every resident.

Dave Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann spent months under indictment on charges that they sexually assaulted an exotic dancer during a team party. They were cleared after the state took over the investigation from former District Attorney Mike Nifong.

"I've had people to call me and say, 'I've supported these guys all the way, but $30 million is way over the top,'" said Jackie Brown, a political activist.

However, other callers said the three deserved the money for their legal ordeal, Brown told the newspaper.