Federal Judge James Beaty temporarily removed Mike Nifong from an ongoing civil suit Monday, pending the conclusion of the disbarred former Durham district attorney's bankruptcy hearing.
Nifong filed for bankruptcy Jan. 15, claiming approximately $180 million in debt and liabilities.
Beaty noted, however, that the suspended charges-filed by three former members of the men's lacrosse team who were indicted in a now-discredited rape case-may be reinstated within 90 days of the conclusion of the bankruptcy hearing.
California bankruptcy attorney Evan Smith said Beaty likely intends to weigh the outcome of the bankruptcy hearing before moving further with the civil suit. Smith noted that the move is not unusual in cases when individuals who declare bankruptcy are also under fire with civil litigation.
David Rudolf, an attorney for former player Reade Seligmann, told The (Raleigh) News & Observer earlier this month that representatives of the players intended to follow the suit through the bankruptcy courts.
Rudolf did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
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