Former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr.'s life got turned upside down after being arrested in December due to allegations of rape and sexual assault. The accusations against the NBA Draft prospect were based on an incident in a Lawrence, Kansas bar in September.
However, Shannon was found not guilty by a Kansas jury Thursday, and he released a statement Friday, via X.
“Thank you to everyone who stood by me these last nine months,” Shannon said. “I knew I was innocent of these horrible crimes and had faith in God that someday everyone else would know too. I am so grateful to all of you for believing in me, especially my family, friends, and legal teams whose support kept me going. I'm ready to put this chapter of my life behind me and focus on my path forward.”
The woman had accused Shannon of pulling her towards him and forcibly penetrating his fingers into her vagina. However, witnesses from the bar, including Kansas players Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr., all said that never happened.
Now, Shannon will finally get to refocus his attention back on his NBA dreams.
The basketball world firmly stands behind Shannon Jr.
Shannon's legal team, as well as basketball figures from around the country spoke out on his behalf, via ESPN's Myron Medcalf.
“We're happy with the outcome,” said Mark Sutter, one of Shannon's attorneys. “Terrence Shannon Jr. finally got his day in court. We denied the allegations back in September and on that date, we pledged that one day soon, we would have our day in court and we did. And we're happy with the outcome. And, at the end of the day, I think the public at-large owes Shannon Jr. an apology.”
Illinois coach Brad Underwood was also happy for his former player after witnessing first-hand one of the hardest times of the young man's life.
“I am thrilled for Terrence with the news of today's verdict,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “Under six months of intense scrutiny, Terrence has shown tremendous composure, maturity, and focus. He can now put this behind him and move forward with his life. I, along with everyone in our Illinois Basketball program, will continue to offer Terrence our full support as he looks to fulfill his NBA dreams.”
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman agreed with Underwood as well.
“This has been a very serious and unfortunate situation for all parties involved, and I am happy for Terrence that it has been resolved and his name has been cleared,” Whitman said. “We look forward to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
Speaking of the NBA, one of the greatest players the league's ever seen also offered his encouragement, via X.
“To my Young 👑 Terrance Shannon Jr! Love and Salute you! Proud of you!! God is Good! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾,” LeBron James tweeted. “The apologies should be 30X louder than the hate he got but we know how it goes. Anyways back to the regular scheduled program. Great days ahead! ☀️☀️☀️✨✨✨”
Going forward, Shannon's team will consider a civil lawsuit, according to Sutter.
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