Explosive Book On Duke University Lacrosse Scandal

Threshold Editions, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish an explosive insider account of the Duke University Lacrosse Scandal in June 2007. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE TRUTH by Don Yaeger with Mike Pressler, the former head coach of the men’s lacrosse team, will reveal for the first time what really happened after the infamous stripper party, and how the rush to judgment has affected the lives of those associated with the incident.

Duke University and its men’s lacrosse team came under national scrutiny after a Durham woman--one of two female strippers hired to dance at a team party in March 2006--alleged she was raped. Three team members, all of whom maintained their innocence, were indicted on rape charges. While those charges were subsequently dropped, it wasn’t until Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 that Attorney General Roy Cooper announced the remaining charges of kidnapping and sexual assault had been dropped. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE TRUTH will recount, among other events, the vilification and ostracization of the team members, Pressler’s forced resignation and the subsequent cancellation of the remainder of the team’s season, and even death threats aimed at the players by some of the Durham community.

“Lives have been ruined in the wake of this tragedy.” says Louise Burke, “This book serves as a testament to truth and justice for all those involved.”

Mike Pressler spent 16 seasons at Duke, where he compiled a 153-82 record with three ACC championships, 10 NCAA tournament berths and an appearance in the 2005 national championship game. Pressler was voted ACC Coach of the Year three times and honored as the U.S. I. L.A. National Coach of the Year in 2005. Currently, he is the head coach of the Bryant University men’s lacrosse team.

Don Yaeger spent ten years as one of Sports Illustrated’s top investigative reporters.