Ex-Illinois star acquitted of sexual assault charges
Former Illinois athlete cleared of rape allegations.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
LAWRENCE (AP) — Terrence Shannon Jr., the talented former University of Illinois basketball player and potential first-round NBA draft pick, has been acquitted of rape charges by a jury in Douglas County, Kansas. The verdict was reached after less than two hours of deliberation.
The 23-year-old Shannon was accused of sexual assault during a visit to Kansas for a football game between Illinois and the Jayhawks last September. Initially charged with rape or sexual battery, Shannon was suspended for six games before being reinstated by a federal judge who ruled that his civil rights had been violated.
During the trial, Shannon testified that he was at a bar with friends, including two roommates and some Kansas players, on the night in question. He claimed to have only consumed a few drinks and had full recollection of the events. Shannon stated that he was unaware of the rape allegation until weeks later and had never encountered the 18-year-old accuser prior to the case.
The accuser alleged that Shannon had groped her and touched her inappropriately at the crowded bar. Shannon vehemently denied the accusations, citing his personal experiences with sexual assault and his respect for women.
Shannon’s legal team discredited the allegations as baseless and questioned the credibility of the accuser. They also criticised the prosecutors in Douglas County for insufficient evidence and the investigating officer for the handling of the case.
The outcome of the trial was closely monitored by NBA scouts as Shannon is considered a top prospect for the upcoming draft scheduled for June 26-27.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Shannon is a versatile player capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard positions. He had a standout season with Illinois, averaging 23 points per game and leading the team to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champions UConn.
Shannon received accolades including first-team All-Big Ten honours and a third-team All-American selection by The Associated Press.
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Illinois star found not guilty of rape
Ex-Illinois star found not guilty of rape.
