DENVER -- Former University of Colorado football coach Gary Barnett denounced the $2.85 million settlement between CU and two women who said they were gang-raped by football players and recruits at an off-campus party.

The settlement was announced Wednesday, almost exactly six years after the party of Dec. 7, 2001.

Barnett posted a statement on his Web site Wednesday. "It is hard to believe that we live in a society where allegations have enough clout to hold a wonderful and well respected university hostage," Barnett said.

He went on to say the University of Colorado, the athletics department and the football program would never have their day in court.

"No criminal charges or NCAA violations were filed and yet the University of Colorado has been forced to settle a lawsuit," Barnett said. "The University of Colorado will never have their day in court. Only the premature 'court of public opinion' gets heard."

University President Hank Brown said agreeing to the settlement was a difficult decision.