Illinois Star Terrence Shannon Jr. Found Not Guilty in Rape Trial

Illinois star guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was acquitted of one count of rape and one count of sexual battery on Thursday following a trial in Douglas County, Kansas. The jury deliberated for 90 minutes before delivering a unanimous verdict.

Shannon had been charged with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery, a felony, on December 5, 2023, stemming from an incident at a bar on September 8, 2023, while he was in Lawrence, Kansas, for a Kansas vs. Illinois football game. During the proceedings, Shannon was suspended by the university, missing six games, before legally contesting the suspension and returning to play while awaiting trial.

The University of Illinois initially suspended Shannon under its zero-tolerance sexual conduct policy. Following legal action, Shannon missed an additional month of play before a restraining order was filed against the university, seeking his immediate reinstatement on the grounds of due process.

Shannon 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, reiterating his innocence and seeking the suspension's reversal. His return to the basketball court occurred on January 21, after more than two weeks away from the team.

Despite the legal challenges, Shannon had an outstanding season for the Illini in 2023-24, averaging 23.0 points per game, placing him second among Big Ten players. His performance has positioned him as the 29th-ranked prospect in the latest CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect Rankings, with potential to be selected in the late first round of the upcoming draft scheduled for June 26.