CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Former Illinois standout Terrence Shannon Jr. is set to undergo trial on June 10 for first-degree felony rape and felony sexual aggravated battery, as determined by a Kansas court during his preliminary hearing on Friday. Shannon, who pleaded not guilty after being arraigned, had a judge establish probable cause for the trial to proceed.
Last year, Shannon was accused by a woman of digitally penetrating her at a Lawrence bar on Sept. 9. Following the alleged incident, the woman identified Shannon as the perpetrator after locating his image via a Google search and reported him to local authorities. Shannon was subsequently arrested and charged with engaging in sexual intercourse without consent under circumstances involving force or fear, classified as a severity level 1 person felony.
In December, Shannon faced an indefinite suspension from Illinois, causing him to miss six games. However, he later obtained a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, allowing him to rejoin the team on Jan. 21. He continued to play for the remainder of the season, leading Illinois to the Elite Eight. In April, the university ceased its investigation into Shannon.
According to his legal representatives, Shannon is anticipated to conclude his trial – assuming the June 10 date holds – prior to the NBA draft on June 26-27. Before the preliminary hearing, Shannon’s legal team requested that DNA evidence pertaining to the case be deemed inadmissible during the trial.