Some Vindication for Accused Duke Lacrosse Players

Sorry, one more...

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting much brighter.

Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann have been invited to return to Duke University and be placed in good standing. Duke has said it has asked the both of them to return for spring semester starting next week.

While the rape charges have been dropped, the kidnapping and sexual assault charges are still there. The university could still punish them if they are convicted of any of the charges, Larry Moneta, Duke's vice president for student affairs, said in a letter to Duke's president.

However, university officials made it clear that their estimation of the prosecution's case has changed.

"As circumstances have evolved in this extraordinary case, we have attempted to balance recognition of the gravity of legal charges with the presumption of your innocence," Moneta said in a letter to Seligmann and Finnerty dated Tuesday.

How soon before the rest of the charges are dropped? Could the accuser be charged with lying to police or a civil lawsuit by the lacrosse players?

Would longtime coach Mike Pressler see some sort of apology by the University?