Hence why I responded the way I did to Pylons' post above. If Duke decided it based on the principle of the matter, then it can make a great sound bite in an interview particularly if academics is very important to the alumni and maybe even the fans. Plus, whomever gives that answer has just baited the interviewer on what the next (or one of the next) follow up question will be in the interview. In addition, Duke will already know its answer to the question before the question is even asked by the person.

Reporter: If Duke doesn't offer athletic scholarships, then why does Duke offer athletic scholarships in football and basketball?

Duke: Great question Reporter. The reason is because of how the NCAA DI Bylaws are currently written. No DI school can participate non-scholarship football and remain a member of the DI-FBS subdivision. If a DI school wishes to participate in non-scholarship football, then the school would have to switch to the DI-FCS and either join the Ivy League, Pioneer Football League (PFL), or become a DI-FCS Independent. Currently the PFL, Patriot League, and the Northeast Conference are the only FCS conference where schools can offer a reduced number of full scholarships in football. For example, I believe the Patriot League allows its members to offer a minimum of 20 or 30 full scholarships instead of 63 scholarships.

WRT basketball, the NCAA bylaws or ACC bylaws may be written in such a way that Duke can't remain a DI member and compete in non-scholarship basketball.

That response there checks a bunch of boxes for Duke. It shows that Dukes still values academics over athletics. Plus, it allows Duke to control athletic cost while still being compliant with Title IX. Finally, it reduces the risk that there would be any further follow up questions on the matter.