Full apology offered in Duke lacrosse case

DURHAM, N.C. – It took three tries for disgraced former prosecutor Mike Nifong to utter the words that three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape were determined to hear him say.

On Thursday, more than 16 months after beginning a disastrous prosecution of the former players, Nifong offered a complete and unqualified apology. After two rebuffed attempts to express remorse for his mishandling of the case, Nifong acknowledged there is “no credible evidence” to support allegations the men attacked a stripper during a team party last year.

“We all need to heal,” Nifong said during a court hearing. “It is my hope that we can start this process today.”

Nifong’s apology came as a judge began the process of considering whether to hold the former Durham County district attorney in criminal contempt of court for his handling of the discredited case.

Superior Court Judge W. Osmond Smith III has already concluded there is probable cause to believe Nifong “willfully and intentionally made false statements of material fact” to the court during a hearing in the case last fall. If he finds Nifong in contempt after an Aug. 30 hearing, the now-disbarred former prosecutor could face up to 30 days in jail.