LAWRENCE, Kan. – Terrence Shannon Jr., a former Illinois guard and highly touted NBA draft prospect, was acquitted of charges of rape and aggravated sexual battery by a jury in Douglas County, Kansas.
The allegations stemmed from an incident in which a woman accused Shannon of sexual assault during a visit to Lawrence for a football game on September 8. Shannon, 23, denied any wrongdoing and testified that he never touched the woman. Witnesses, including Kansas center Hunter Dickinson and former Jayhawk Kevin McCullar, supported Shannon’s defense by stating they did not witness any inappropriate behavior from him that night.
Following his arrest in December and subsequent suspension, Shannon missed six games before being granted a temporary restraining order that allowed him to return to the team. Despite the off-court distractions, Shannon had an impressive season as a fifth-year student, ranking as the NCAA’s third-leading scorer with an average of 23 points per game and helping Illinois reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Brad Underwood expressed his relief at the verdict, praising Shannon’s composure and maturity throughout the ordeal. Underwood highlighted Shannon’s resilience and determination to pursue his NBA aspirations, noting the support of the Illinois Basketball program behind him.
Shannon, who recently attended the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, awaits the upcoming draft on June 26. His legal victory clears the path for him to focus on his basketball career and strive towards achieving his dream of playing in the NBA.
The case against Shannon has drawn considerable attention and scrutiny, reflecting broader conversations around accountability and due process in cases of alleged sexual assault. The verdict not only impacts Shannon’s future but also sparks discussions about the intersection of sports, legal proceedings, and social responsibility. As Shannon navigates the aftermath of the trial, the basketball community eagerly anticipates his next steps and the potential impact on his professional trajectory.