Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. Suspended Following Arrest, Rape Charge

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. has been suspended from the team following a rape charge that dates back to a September football game in Kansas. The school released a statement on Thursday.

Illinois All-American candidate Terrence Shannon Jr. has been suspended from the team following his arrest in relation to a rape charge. The school released a statement regarding the matter on Thursday.

"On Wednesday, the Douglas (Kansas) County District Attorney issued a warrant for the arrest of Terrence Shannon Jr. Per policy, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has suspended Shannon from all team activities, effective immediately," the statement reads.

"Shannon is charged with rape, as defined under applicable Kansas law. The alleged incident occurred while Shannon visited Lawrence, Kansas, to attend the Illinois at Kansas football game, played on the evening of Friday, Sept. 8, as a spectator. He was not in Lawrence on official University business, nor was he a member of the University's travel party."

In the statement, the University of Illinois acknowledged that it was made aware of a police investigation into Shannon in late September. At the time, though, the school said it did not have enough information to take action.

"The University and DIA take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously while respecting due process and the presumption of innocence afforded through the legal system."

"DIA and Urbana campus officials have been aware of a Lawrence police investigation into Shannon since late September but, until Wednesday, had yet to receive actionable information. Shannon’s arrest triggers the DIA student-athlete misconduct policy. Under that policy, Shannon has been immediately suspended from all team activities. Any change to Shannon’s status will be communicated in a timely manner."

Shannon has played in all 11 games for Illinois during the 2023-24 season. He's averaging 21.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

The length of Shannon's suspension is indefinite.