How much did Duke pay Mike Pressler?

Duke University has reached a financial settlement with Mike Pressler, the former men’s lacrosse coach who lost his job in the wake of since-debunked rape allegations involving his team.

Though the university would not disclose the terms of the deal, a school official confirmed Thursday that Duke reached “an amicable, fair financial settlement” with Pressler a few months ago.

“Coach Pressler is an excellent coach and did a great job building the Duke men’s lacrosse program,” John Burness, Duke’s vice president for public affairs, told The Associated Press.

“Unfortunately last spring it was essential for the team to have a
change of leadership in order to move forward.

How much did Duke pay Mike Pressler?

The Keydets were launching a lacrosse program and wanted him to lead it. “I was flying by the seat of my pants,” said Pressler, who was paid $1,500 for the year, and given room and board.

Pressler, who now coaches at Division II Bryant in Rhode Island, was in his 16th season at Duke when a woman told police that she was attacked by three players at a March 2006 team party where she was hired to perform as a stripper.

The allegations eventually led the university in Durham to cancel the remainder of the highly ranked team’s season and accept Pressler’s resignation.

Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty, and David Evans were indicted on charges of rape, kidnapping, and sexual offense. They were later cleared by state prosecutors, who called them “innocent” victims of a “tragic rush to accuse.”