In the third quarter of the University of Virginia's win over Johns Hopkins University, the Public Address announcer proudly announced "Beat the Record" Night for attendance would be April 15 when Virginia (11-0) would take on the Duke Blue Devils.
Well, the record will not be broken. In fact, it will be about 7,440 people short because of a firestorm in Durham, N.C. March 14, the Duke Lacrosse team held a party with paid exotic dancers. Shortly thereafter, there was a claim by one of the dancers that she was sexually assaulted. DNA samples were taken from 46 of the 47 players; but, earlier this week, defense attorneys representing the players announced that the results of the tests failed to match any DNA found on the dancer with any of the lacrosse players. As the woman is black and the accused players are white, the incident has exacerbated racial tensions in Durham and has had repercussions for all of lacrosse as well. For a sport still trying to grow from its Northeastern roots, this shame has impacted the image of lacrosse, as well as the players and university involved.
"I think the game will survive," Virginia coach Dom Starsia said. "This is a blow to our sport and to college lacrosse. I don't think that this happens without affecting everyone, though. Maybe this is a bit of a wake-up call for all college athletes, not just lacrosse players."
The cancellation of the Duke game has given the Cavaliers a 13-day hiatus from competition. With the season going so well, Virginia has developed quite a bit of momentum that could be lost during the time off. The Cavaliers, however, are making the best of the situation.
"I think it's a good thing," junior defender Ricky Smith said. "We try not to hurt our bodies too much when we have a game on Saturday. Now we can run hard every day and work on the little things until the Bellarmine game."
With the cancellation, Virginia will also avoid playing the preseason No. 1 team in the country. The Blue Devils compiled a 6-2 record before their season was cancelled, including an overtime loss to then-No.4 Maryland.
With the grind of a long season, however, the break also means time to rest up right before the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Giving the players some time to take their minds off the pressure of competing at the highest level will let them enjoy some of the finer things in life.
"I'm trying to get tickets to the [Cleveland] Cavaliers game this weekend with my brother in D.C.," defensive captain Michael Culver said. "Coach said, take some time for yourselves, and that's what I think we need to do."
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