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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Terrence Shannon Jr. innocence
2. Terrence Shannon Jr. cleared of charges
Former Illinois standout Terrence Shannon Jr., a potential first-round NBA draft pick, was found not guilty Thursday on a rape charge after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict.
The 23-year-old Shannon was accused of committing sexual assault last September while visiting Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks. He was charged with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery, which led to him being suspended for six games; a federal judge later reinstated him, ruling that his civil rights had been violated.
Shannon testified that he joined two roommates and a few Kansas players at a bar on Sept. 8, 2023, but he only had a few drinks and remembered everything that happened that night. Shannon said he didn’t learn of the rape allegation until several weeks later, and that he had never seen the 18-year-old woman who had accused him until the case had begun.
The woman told police she was at the bar when a man, whom she later identified as Shannon, grabbed her buttocks and reached under her skirt to touch her. The woman claimed that the bar was crowded, so she was unable to move.
Shannon testified that a woman close to him had been raped and he would never treat another woman the same way.
Shannon’s lawyers called the allegations a “blind accusation” and questioned the motives of the woman. They also criticized the prosecutors in Douglas County for a lack of evidence and a Lawrence detective for the thoroughness of his investigation.
Many scouts had been watching the case closely ahead of the NBA draft, which is scheduled for June 26-27.
The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who can play point guard and shooting guard, played five seasons for Illinois. He was at his best this past season, averaging 23 points for a team that reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual national champion UConn.
Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press.
1. Terrence Shannon Jr. acquitted of sexual assault
2. NBA draft hopeful Terrence Shannon Jr. cleared of rape charges
Former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr., a highly anticipated NBA draft prospect, has been acquitted of a rape charge following a swift verdict by a jury in Douglas County, Kansas. The trial, which lasted less than two hours, culminated in Shannon’s exoneration, allowing him to move forward with his promising basketball career.
The alleged incident took place last September when Shannon was visiting Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks. Accused of sexual assault, Shannon faced charges of rape or sexual battery, resulting in a suspension from the team for six games. However, a federal judge later reinstated him, citing a violation of his civil rights.
During the trial, Shannon took the stand and recounted the events of the fateful night. He testified that he had been at a bar with two roommates and some Kansas players, consuming only a few drinks and maintaining clear recollection of the evening. Shannon claimed that he was unaware of the rape allegation until weeks later and asserted that he had never encountered the 18-year-old accuser prior to the case.
The accuser alleged that Shannon had groped her and made unwanted advances, a claim Shannon vehemently denied. He expressed empathy for victims of sexual assault, citing a personal connection to someone who had experienced such trauma. Shannon’s legal team denounced the allegations as baseless and questioned the motives of the accuser, as well as the investigative practices of law enforcement.
Amidst the legal proceedings, NBA scouts closely monitored Shannon’s case in anticipation of the upcoming draft. The 6-foot-6 versatile guard had garnered attention for his standout performances at Illinois, particularly in his final season where he averaged 23 points per game and led the team to the Elite Eight.
Recognized as a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press, Shannon’s potential as a professional player remained undimmed by the legal scrutiny he faced. With the cloud of the rape charge lifted, Shannon can now focus on showcasing his skills on the court and pursuing his NBA dreams.
In a sports world often fraught with off-court controversies, Shannon’s acquittal serves as a reminder of the complexities of navigating fame and scrutiny in the public eye. As he looks towards the future, Shannon’s resilience and determination stand as testaments to his character and dedication to his craft.
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