DURHAM - Duke University officials confirmed this week that they have been talking for months with lawyers for current and former lacrosse players — other than the three who were charged with rape — to try stave off a lawsuit.

It was not clear what would form the basis of a suit by players who did not face criminal charges. Duke officials would not discuss details of the claims.

"Duke University has been in discussions with representatives of the families for many months and is happy to continue discussions with their new representatives," John Burness, senior vice president for public affairs and government relations, said in a statement. "We hope to reach a fair resolution that will allow the families and the university to move forward."

Charles Cooper, a lawyer from Washington, D.C., was retained recently, but a spokeswoman in his office said he would not comment on his representation of the players.

The university already has settled with the families of the three players who battled sexual assault charges for a year before state Attorney General Roy Cooper exonerated them. The details of that settlement have not been disclosed.

Duke also reached a private settlement with Mike Pressler, the former Duke lacrosse coach who lost his job amid the furor over an escort service dancer's allegations that she was raped at a lacrosse team party in spring 2006.

Cooper, the attorney general, said in April that special prosecutors from his office could find no evidence that a sexual assault, or any assault, occurred at the house at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd, the site of the infamous party.