DURHAM, N.C. — Time-stamped photographs will show an exotic dancer was already injured and "very impaired" when she arrived at a party where she contends she was sexually assaulted by members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team, an attorney for one of the players said Sunday.
Durham attorney Bill Thomas said some of the photographs, taken when the woman arrived at the house, indicate she was injured before getting to the party March 13. They show extensive bruises and scrapes on her legs, especially around the knees, he said.
"This young lady was substantially impaired," Thomas said. "She had fallen several times during the course of the evening."
He declined to identify the player he represents and said he would not release the photos, taken by at least two cameras, until pending DNA tests are completed.
Thomas also wouldn't say whether the photos were taken by a lacrosse-team member or someone else; court documents have indicated only team members were present at the party.
"All of these statements you've heard ... about this brutal assault, rape, kidnapping and robbery which occurred, I believe that the public will soon be able to learn the truth, and that these allegations are totally false and without merit," Thomas said.
No one has been charged in the case, but allegations that members of the nearly all-white team sexually assaulted the woman, a black student at a nearby university, have rocked both Duke and Durham.
Court documents said a medical exam of the alleged victim found injuries consistent with sexual assault.
The allegations have led to the resignation of coach Mike Pressler, the cancellation of the lacrosse season and the suspension of one player from school.
Several dozen people gathered Sunday outside the house where the party took place, and pledged to return each Sunday until the case is resolved.
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