Oklahoma linebacker Frank Shannon suspended for one year

Oklahoma linebacker Frank Shannon has been suspended from the school for one year, university president David Boren said in a statement.

Oklahoma linebacker Frank Shannon has been suspended from the school for one year, university president David Boren said in a statement. 

Shannon was accused in April of sexually assaulting a female student, but she declined to press charges. However, Oklahoma was obligated under federal law to conduct an internal Title IX investigation of its own. That investigation resulted in the suspension.  

Last season, Shannon led the Sooners with 92 tackles, including seven for a loss and two sacks. 

Boren's full statement, according to USA Today: 

"The University of Oklahoma has been asked repeatedly by the media about the outcome of the internal disciplinary proceedings relating to Frank Shannon. As permitted by Federal privacy laws in matters such as these, the University is allowed to disclose its institutional processes and its final decisions. This process includes the Title IX Office inquiry, a hearing panel comprised of faculty and staff, and an appeal to the chief student affairs officer. This process was completed on June 18th. The final decision of the internal disciplinary process was suspension of the student for one year. Federal privacy law and other legal considerations prohibit me from discussing the case further.

The University is unable to enforce its process at this time. The University has and is taking every legal step possible to move this process forward. The University is currently seeking to enforce its decision so that it may be in compliance with federal law requiring responses by institutions to such matters in a timely manner. With the fall semester beginning August 18, time is of the essence."

Oklahoma opens its season on Aug. 30 against Louisiana Tech.

- Alex Hampl