Terrence Shannon Jr., star guard for Illinois, was acquitted of charges of rape and sexual battery on Thursday following a trial in Douglas County, Kansas. The jury reached a unanimous verdict after deliberating for 90 minutes.
Shannon faced allegations stemming from an incident at a bar on September 8, 2023, while in Lawrence, Kansas, for a football game between Kansas and Illinois. The University of Illinois initially suspended Shannon under their zero-tolerance sexual conduct policy, causing him to miss six games. However, Shannon later sued the university and was reinstated to play as the criminal proceedings unfolded.
He voluntarily turned himself in to authorities on December 28 and was released on $50,000 bail.
In a 1,366-word letter dated January 2, Shannon addressed the University of Illinois student-athlete conduct panel, maintaining his innocence and seeking reinstatement. Despite the ongoing legal process, Shannon returned to the basketball court on January 21.
During the 2023-24 season, Shannon had a standout year, finishing second among Big Ten players with an average of 23.0 points per game. As a fifth-year senior, he has garnered attention from NBA scouts, currently ranking No. 29 in CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect Rankings. His potential could see him selected in the late first round of the upcoming NBA Draft, scheduled for June 26.
