Another victory for Duke lacrosse
And this one, I gotta admit, I didn't see coming.
According to a release just issued by the NCAA, all non-seniors from the 2006 Duke lax team (the one disbanded midway through the season, in case you were living under a rock) will get a fifth year of eligiblity, either at Duke or another NCAA institution.
"These individuals were involved in an unusual circumstance that we believe warrants providing them the opportunity to complete their four years of competition,” said Jennifer Strawley, NCAA director of student-athlete reinstatement and membership services."
If guys like John Danowksi, the team's top player and the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming pro lax draft, decide to return to Duke for another season, then the Blue Devils will be one of the favorites for the 2008 national title.
I can't think of another decision like this in NCAA history, but then again, I can't think of another situation quite like the one Duke lacross went through last year.