The Duke Lacrosse Coach Resigns After A Player Sends A Vulgar E-Mail

Duke University is still the center of attention as authorities continue to investigate the alleged rape of a stripper at one of the team's parties.

The team has remained relatively quiet about the incident since it took place. However, one Duke lacrosse player recently sent an e-mail to team mates saying that he would "kill" the strippers when they came for their next party and he would "cut their skin off". The e-mail was signed with the player's jersey number. The e-mail was released to the public and shortly after, lacrosse coach Mike Pressler resigned as head coach. In addition to the resignation, the team's season has been cancelled.

This e-mail has created more bad press for Duke and its lacrosse team. Students and residents have marched daily since the alleged rape took place. The lacrosse team is the focus of a lot of anger and many players have changed their residence in order to protect themselves from any attacks that may be directed at them.

Duke University is handling the situation to the best of their ability. While the e-mail perpetuates the recent negetive image of the school and the resignation of the coach raises questions to how much he knew about the incident, the school is taking steps to mitigate damage to their reputation and thei already shaky relationship with local residents.

Duke President, Richard Brodhead, says that the school will undertake a serious self-study of campus culture as well as a specific study analyzing the culture of the lacrosse team. Additionally, the player who sent the vulgar e-mail has been suspended and asked to leave campus for the moment.

Duke University has maintained contact with the media, keeping them updated on what is happening. Duke is using the crisis public relations approach of corrective action by stating that it will work to build better relationships with the local community. Duke's situation is very sensitive. It is difficult to win back public support when such horrible activities are taking place on campus. However, Duke has taken the appropriate steps to mitigate damage, at least for the moment.

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