Terrence Shannon Jr., a possible lottery choose in this month’s NBA Draft, was discovered not responsible of rape Thursday evening.
The former Illinois star was accused of pulling a lady towards him, placing his palms beneath her skirt and touching her sexually.
The incident occurred whereas he was visiting Kansas for an Illinois-Kansas soccer recreation.
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LeBron James confirmed assist for Terrence Shannon Jr. after Shannon was discovered not responsible of rape. (Getty Pictures)
A jury in Douglas County spent lower than two hours deliberating, and, on Friday morning, Shannon received assist from LeBron James.
“To my Younger [king] Terrance Shannon Jr! Love and Salute you! Pleased with you!! God is Good!” James wrote on X, formerly Twitter, with raised palms emojis. “The apologies ought to be 30X louder than the hate he received however we all know the way it goes. In any case again to the common scheduled program.”
Shannon was charged with rape or an alternate rely of sexual battery, which resulted in a six-game suspension earlier than a federal decide later reinstated him, ruling that his civil rights had been violated.
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. reacts after hitting a basket and being fouled in opposition to Duquesne within the first half of a second-round NCAA Match recreation March 23, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photograph/Charlie Neibergall)
Shannon testified that he joined two roommates and some Kansas gamers at a bar Sept. 8, however he solely had a couple of drinks and remembered all the pieces that occurred that evening. Shannon mentioned he did not study of the rape allegation till a number of weeks later and that he had by no means seen the 18-year-old girl who had accused him till the case had begun.
The accuser mentioned the bar was so crowded she could not “do something,” an affidavit mentioned.
The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who performs level guard and capturing guard, averaged 23 factors final season for a group that reached the Elite Eight earlier than dropping to eventual nationwide champion UConn.
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. brings the ball up courtroom throughout a recreation in opposition to the Tennessee Volunteers Dec. 9, 2023, at Meals Metropolis Middle in Knoxville, Tenn. (Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)
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Shannon transferred to Illinois from Texas Tech previous to the beginning of the 2021-22 season. He was voted first-team All-Large Ten and third-team All-American final season.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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