Illinois apologised after a school brutal gaffe during Terrence Shannon Jr.'s Jersey Retirement Ceremony on Saturday.
At halftime in Illini's victory over Michigan, the team hung Shannon's No. 0 jersey on the rafters at the state farm center.
However, there was one dazzling problem. His jersey and name were upside down as Shannon pulled the cord to announce it.
“Before we got into tonight's game, there was clearly a disappointing situation around Jersey at halftime. [Shannon’s] Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman said after the game. “It's obviously a truly unfortunate moment. It's a shame that it happened like that.
“Of course I didn't hang my jersey, but I'm responsible for everything that happens in this building in the end. Ultimately, that means it was on me tonight. We need to understand that mistakes happen in life. But there are also certain moments where mistakes don't happen. And tonight we stole that moment [Shannon] And it was on us, something we apologised to him, apologised to his mom. We want to make sure we apologise to all the fans and everyone who are excited to participate in this experience tonight. ”
Shannon spent three at Texas Tech and then played two seasons for Illinois, averaging 23 points last year, helping Illini reach the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.
But it was also a turbulent year for Shannon, who was arrested in December 2023 and stopped midseason after being charged with sexual assault and rape arising from a case at the University of Kansas.
He was accused by an 18-year-old woman of grabbing her and sexually touching her in a bar early on September 9, 2023, following a soccer match between Illinois and Kansas. I did.
However, Shannon was resurrected after a legal challenge from his lawyers and was allowed to play while legal proceedings were unfolding.
And in June, Douglas County, Kansas, discovered he had not committed any crimes of rape or sexual assault.
The Timberwolves drafted him last year with the 27th overall pick.
He plays 16 games this year and averages 3.1 points per game.
The All-Star Break gave him the opportunity to return to his alma mater in honor.
“I was shocked because I was only here for two years,” Shannon said. “I was just happy. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to take my jersey there.”
