Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. has petitioned his school's board for a temporary suspension so he can return from suspension.
Shannon was suspended by the team last month after being charged with rape in Kansas.
But Shannon's attorneys, Mark P. Sutter, Rob Lang, Steve Beckett and Mark Goldenberg, argue that the university rushed to judgment and failed to follow its procedures.
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Terrence Shannon Jr. #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini handles the ball during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center on December 2, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. (G. Fiume/Getty Images)
“TJ has always maintained his innocence,” Goldenberg said. Via 247 Sports. “All he wants is a fair process, and we don't think he's got that yet… He doesn't have the right to due process, he doesn't have the presumption of innocence to plead his case. They are not given a fair and fully open opportunity to do so.”
Goldenberg said if the restraining order is granted, Shannon could return to the team as early as Thursday's game, but it would only last 10 days unless both sides agree to an extension. .
“All he wants is a fair process, but he doesn't feel like he's gotten it yet. He's pretty adamant about his innocence,” Goldenberg said.
University of Illinois Vice President Robert Koehler said in a statement that the school is aware that Shannon has filed for “injunctive relief from suspension.”
“We will review charges and defend our student-athlete misconduct process. This will ensure that student-athletes receive a fair process and that we are committed to providing student-athletes with a fair process while waiting for the legal system and university disciplinary process to proceed. It will enable us to quickly respond to allegations of conduct or serious crimes.”
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. during a college basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Food City Center on December 9, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (0) raises the ball into the court. (Brian Lin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The alleged victim told police she didn't say anything until the man pulled her towards him, put his hand up her skirt and began having sexual contact with her. According to her affidavit, she stated that her room was so crowded that she “couldn't do anything.”
Douglas County prosecutors on Dec. 5 charged Shannon with alternative counts of rape or sexual assault. Her accuser was born in 2005, according to the complaint. After a warrant for her arrest was issued, the state of Illinois issued a statement on Dec. 28 saying Shannon was “suspended from all team activities, effective immediately.”
Rape carries a penalty of 12 to 54 years in prison, while assault carries a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in prison.
Shannon transferred to Illinois from. Texas Tech University before the start of the 2021-22 season. He played in 11 games this season, averaging 21.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
The school said it had been aware of the allegations since September last year, but had “not yet received any concrete information” until December 27.
Illinois player Terrence Shannon Jr. passes during the first half of the NCAA college basketball game vs. Missouri State on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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Shannon was named first team All-Big Ten last season.
He last played on Dec. 22, when he dropped 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against Missouri State in the Braggin' Lights game.
Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
