DURHAM, N.C. — Duke University's insurance company says it was left in the dark and shouldn't have to pay for a settlement with three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused of rape.

The Durham Herald reports today that National Union Fire Insurance Co. filed court papers that said campus leaders didn't tell the company about the settlement, in violation of its contract.

The university has sued the company for failing to cover the costs of its out-of-court settlement with the three players. The university said it was barred from disclosing information because of the settlement's confidentiality clause.

A stripper hired to perform at a lacrosse team party in March 2006 falsely accused the men of attacking her. All charges were eventually dropped, and men were declared innocent by state prosecutors.

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Information from: The Herald-Sun, http://www.herald-sun.com