University Of Illinois Violated Star Guard Shannon's Rights: Judge

CHAMPAIGN, IL — A federal judge issued a ruling in favor of University of Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon, Jr., finding that a suspension issued by the school in late December in connection with rape charges filed against the guard did him irreparable harm.

According to multiple reports, the decision on Friday will allow Shannon to return to the Illini program after he was suspended by the school at the end of December.

Shannon, a projected NBA Lottery pick, had filed a temporary restraining order against the school, claiming that the suspension issued by the school violated his rights under Title IX. Judge Colleen Lawless issued the ruling in Shannon’s favor, which gives him the ability to return to basketball activities immediately.

In a statement issued on Friday night, University of Illinois Associate Chancellor Robin Kaler said. "We have received the court's order. Effective immediately, Terrence Shannon, Jr., has been reinstated to full status as a university student-athlete and will be available for basketball practice and competition. We will continue to review the court order and monitor the case."

In a statement thanking his legal team, Shannon said that he is grateful for the judge's ruling and is "looking forward to playing for the Illini again."

Shannon, Jr. filed suit against the school on Jan. 9 stating that Shannon presumes his innocence and characterizes sexual assault as a “horrible crime.” The complaint says that Shannon is appalled that his name is connected to the allegations and states that he has no criminal history and no history of disciplinary problems.

Yet, the complaint states that the university has served as judge, jury, and executioner in suspending Shannon and says the school has not afforded the star guard and projected NBA Lottery pick due process. Shannon’s attorneys claim that the school has denied his rights by suspending him “so long” after first knowing that Shannon was the target of a criminal investigation.

Shannon was charged with "unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly engaged in sexual intercourse with a person ... who did not consent to the sexual intercourse under circumstances when she was overcome by force or fear, a severity level 1 person felony."

Shannon is scheduled to appear in court on the charges on Feb. 23 for a preliminary hearing.

The rape is alleged to have occurred while Shannon was in Lawrence for an Illinois vs. Kansas football game on Sept. 8, which he attended as a spectator and not on official university business or as a member of the university’s travel party, according to the school.

A fifth-year athlete from Chicago, Shannon is slated as a first-round NBA draft pick in mock drafts and was named to several preseason All-American teams and unanimously to the preseason All-Big Ten Team.

The Illini, currently ranked No. 14 in the Associated Press poll, hosts Rutgers on Sunday.