Durham police come up short

DURHAM, N.C. – Police tried to interview Duke University lacrosse players at their dorm rooms about the team party where a woman reported being raped, but the athletes refused to speak with investigators, an attorney for several players said Friday.

The school confirmed that a pair of Durham detectives were on campus Thursday night for an hour and 15 minutes, but said they did not execute any search warrants. The school’s statement corrected comments made earlier Friday by Duke President Richard Brodhead, who told reporters police attempted to enter the rooms, but then said he had few details.

Attorney Kerry Sutton said when police approached the players, they immediately contacted their lawyers, who advised them not to speak.

Sutton, who represents one of the men who lived in the off-campus house where the attack was reported, said he was surprised by the police’s actions.

Police declined to release any information about the case. The offices of District Attorney Mike Nifong were closed for the Good Friday holiday.