Today, the NCAA granted the members of the Duke lacrosse team, whose 2006 season was cut short by the university amid rape allegations involving three players, another year of eligibility.

Thirty-three team members will be eligible for the extra year.

"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, in a release sent by the NCAA.

Duke returned to play this season with a new coach, John Danowski, and reached Monday's NCAA title game where it lost 12-11 to Johns Hopkins. The Devils were led by Danowski's son, Matt, a senior attackman.

Before the NCAA Final Four, Matt Danowski said he didn't know what he'd do if the NCAA granted the extra year.

"I think it's pretty much a long shot for us to get the year back," Danowski said. "If it did happen, it's something we'd have to all sit down and discuss, because a lot of things go into that, not just playing lacrosse."

Some seniors already have jobs lined up and have graduated from Duke, but the NCAA allows students who have graduated to play if they enroll in graduate school.