April 16, 2007 — -- Last week three former Duke University lacrosse players were publicly cleared of charges that they sexually assaulted an exotic dancer at an off-campus party.
For the last year, Collin Finnerty, Reade Seligmann and David Evans have been vilified in the press and court of public opinion.
The three young men may never totally recover their reputations, but in an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America" today, Kevin and Mary Ellen Finnerty said they never doubted their son's innocence.
The yearlong ordeal took its toll. Kevin Finnerty said there were many times the family felt like they would crack under the pressure.
"I think we've been over the line numerous times and had to get pulled back," Kevin said. "I think there were numerous times that the moms in particular, but all of us, were pushed to the breaking point or beyond and really, you know, there was professional help that we sought."
Kevin Finnerty said that a "huge" support network helped them get through the darkest days.
"Friends, family were unbelievable," he said.
Mary Ellen Finnerty said she will never forget the moment the grand jury indictments for rape, sexual offense and kidnapping were handed down. Finnerty could have faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
"We just sort of hugged each other and cried and we just said, 'You know, let's go. We're going to do this. We are going to do this.' And that started our year of -- our journey. But we were a unit," Mary Ellen said.
Collin, 20, spent most of the last year living with his parents in Long Island, N.Y., after he was suspended from Duke.
He said he learned a great deal about his parents over the last year. His father, he said, was the rock for the family.
"He never showed emotion, really. He stayed so focused, I don't know what our family would have done without him, honestly. I think anyone who faced a bad time would look to him for support. So, he probably got MVP for our family," Collin said.
And he said he learned how much his mother loved him.
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