CHAPEL HILL N.C.
The former Duke University men’s lacrosse coach who resigned last year amid allegations that three of his players raped a stripper has sued the university.
Mike Pressler’s lawsuit apparently stems from a financial settlement the school reached earlier this year with him, although school officials did not give details Friday. The players were later cleared of the charges.
The Herald-Sun of Durham reported Friday on its Web site that his lawsuit alleges the university broke the terms of the confidential settlement when university senior vice president John Burness made disparaging comments about him.
The newspaper reported that the lawsuit asks the state court to void the settlement and hold a trial on Pressler’s claim of wrongful termination.
Duke’s vice president and general counsel, Pamela Bernard, said the university was “disappointed that he is now trying to undo that agreement with an unfounded claim against Duke.
“We will address the matter through the legal process and insist on honoring our existing agreement.”
