RALEIGH, N.C. -- Duke University has reached a financial settlement with Mike Pressler, the former men's lacrosse coach who lost his job in the wake of since-debunked rape allegations involving his team.

Though the university would not disclose terms of the deal, a school official confirmed yesterday that Duke reached "an amicable, fair financial settlement" with Pressler a few months ago.

"Coach Pressler is an excellent coach and did a great job building the Duke men's lacrosse program," John Burness, Duke's vice president for public affairs, told the AP. "Unfortunately, last spring it was essential for the team to have a change of leadership in order to move forward.

"We regret the negative consequences this decision had on Coach Pressler. He and Duke reached an amicable, fair financial settlement in which Duke recognized his contributions to the lacrosse program and the circumstances of his departure."

Lee Southren, Pressler's agent, declined to comment last night.

Pressler, who now coaches at Bryant, was in his 16th season at Duke when a woman told police that she was attacked by three players at a March 2006 team party where she was hired to perform as a stripper. The allegations eventually led the university to cancel the remainder of the season and accept Pressler's resignation.

Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty, and David Evans were indicted on charges of rape, kidnapping, and sexual offense. They were later cleared by prosecutors, who called them "innocent" victims of a "tragic rush to accuse."

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