DURHAM, N.C. -- The players stood waiting for their chance to run onto the field. They all knew this was not just another game. For the first time, and likely the only time ever, people gave a shit about a Duke Lacrosse game.
"It was one of those times in athletics that you only see once...at least if you're lacrosse player," commented Duke's Michael Ward. "I was trying to talk to the younger guys and say, 'Take this in. This is amazing. In all my years I have never actually seen anyone pay for the cost of admission to a lacrosse game".
It was a triumphant return after their season was canceled last spring amid rape allegations that touched off a debate on sports, race, class, and privilege at the elite university. And it was clear that this game was more than a game, from the steady stream of students who poured into Koskinen Stadium -- all of who were drunk and very confused as to whether lacrosse was an actual sport.
Last season was lost after three players were indicted on rape charges. Nearly a year of criticism for everyone associated with Duke's lacrosse team seems to have done wonders for the program and ticket sales. "Even my parents showed up for the game," said senior midfielder Dan Oppedisano.. And they used to think lacrosse was for pussies. These rape charges changed their entire opinion of me and this sport...err...activity...or game. Is that what it is?"
Playing their first game in 11 months, the Blue Devils beat Dartmouth 17-11 in front of a huge crowd cheering their every move, despite the fact that not a single spectator had ever seen a lacrosse game, player, or had even a remote understanding of the object of the match.
42 y/o sports enthusiast Tom Haag was there with his young son Tyner to revel in the glory with the Duke players. "I usually don't care for pansy-ass sports like lacrosse and would rather take in an NBA game where there's a real chance that a shooting might occur or a player might beat the shit out of someone in the stands. I guess this was ok. Given the serious nature of the multiple charges and all those players allegedly involved I figured I would come out and see what all the fuss is about. Geez, what a fucking letdown." Young Tyner added "Daddy can we go now, I have to pee?"
The crowd of 6,485 fans was a new school record beating the old school record of 2 by 6,483. The old record set in 1985 occurred after there was a brief flurry of interest when Duke lacrosse coach Don "Knuckles" Malone was arrested with a suitcase full of soiled co-ed underwear he had stolen from the girl's dormitory on campus.
Even the players, who said they were treating the game like any other earlier this week, seemed wowed by all the attention as they ran out onto the field.
"I have been so angry and hurt about all of this. All those charges were without any merit" said senior attacker Matt Danowski, the son of first-year coach John Danowski. "I wanted to do unspeakable harm to that asswipe, DA Mike Nifong, but I guess we should thank him"
Duke players David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann were originally charged with rape, but charges were dropped against the three in December. They are still charged with sexually assaulting and kidnapping a stripper, who told police she was raped by three men in a bathroom during a team party last March. "I hope the rest of this doesn't get cleared up until at least mid season," added Coach Danowski. "I would like my wife to come watch us play" If the other charges are dropped I may have to expose myself at the grade school across from the field".
More than 60 media credentials were issued to cover the nationally televised game, far more than the zero that might normally cover the team. And from tailgaters in the parking lot, to the students filling the stands, it seemed as if everyone was wearing a, "Duke lacrosse...What is it?" T-shirt.
