Illinois AD Josh Whitman Addresses Media Regarding Terrence Shannon Jr. Situation

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr., is suspended indefinitely from the team after rape accusation

Prior to the Illini hosting Farleigh Dickinson, University of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman addressed the media regarding the pending rape charges filed against All-Big Ten Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. 

Before answering questions, Whitman laid out the timeline of events regarding the police investigation and action the University took in a prepared opening statement.

The night in which Terrance Shannon is accused of raping a young women occurred Sept. 8 in Lawrence, Kans. Shannon was there cheering on the Illini football team as they played a road matchup with the Kansas Jayhawks. Following the game, Shannon allegedly committed the rape, however specific details regarding the case are still unknown. 

Per Whitman, Shannon was not in Lawrence on University business nor was he traveling with the football team or athletic department.

In late September, the University of Illinois Police Department was notified that there was an investigation involving Shannon Jr. However, it was originally unclear whether he was the subject of the investigation or merely a witness that could provide testimony. Once the University police became aware that Shannon was indeed the subject of the investigation, the athletic department and the chancellor’s office at the University of Illinois were notified.

At this point, Whitman told the media that he had a private conversation with Shannon Jr discussing the events that transpired on the night in question. After speaking with Shannon, Whitman and the DIA concluded that to begin the misconduct process there needed to be a certain level of information. Whitman said, “that [level of information] stayed in vain until two days ago.”

Whitman then discussed that Shannon traveled to Lawrence to present himself for his arrest when the warrant was issued by the Lawrence Police Department. There, Shannon posted bail and returned to Champaign. He was accompanied by members of the athletic department.

Whitman then informed the media of the steps the University of Illinois has in place to handle student-athlete misconduct of charges this severe. Essentially, after receiving written notice of his suspension from all team activities, Shannon will be informed within 48 hours of the continuation of his suspension from a 3-person conduct panel that is unaffiliated with the University of Illinois Athletic Department. The board is comprised of members of the University of Illinois System but Whitman never named the members during the press conference.

“It was not Brad’s decision to suspend [Terrance Shannon Jr] or not… Because of the nature of the allegations, it is handled by my office by our policy,” Whitman said. Coach Underwood addressed the team Thursday morning, a meeting in which Whitman was also in attendance. According to Whitman he was, “impressed by Brad and his tone,” regarding the meeting.

As more information continues to come out, we will continue to update you here at Illini Now.

Illinois Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. Charged With Rape, Suspended From Team

Sam King is a contributor to Illini Now. He can be reached at sjking258@gmail.com.