Terrence Shannon Jr.'s request for a temporary restraining order was granted by a federal judge on Friday, allowing the fifth-year Illinois guard to rejoin the team just weeks after his December arrest and subsequent team suspension. and was allowed to continue playing. Felony of rape.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless ruled that the school violated the players' civil rights, the Associated Press reported.
University of Illinois Vice President Robin Koehler released a statement Friday saying Shannon “will be restored to full status as a student-athlete at the University and will be eligible to participate in basketball practices and games.”
The school added: “We will continue to review the court order and monitor the incident.”
The school still has the right to appeal, according to the Associated Press.
Through his attorney, Shannon said he is happy to be back on the basketball court.
“[Shannon] I am grateful for today's ruling and look forward to playing for the Illini again.” “[Shannon] He would also like to thank his legal team, lead attorneys Rob Lang, Steve Beckett, Mark Goldenberg, Zoe Spector, Tom Horscroft, and Mark Sutter. ”
In X, Posted by Shannon “I'm grateful for the opportunity to rejoin my teammates and get back to work,” he said.
Shannon was arrested in December for the September incident while in Lawrence, Kansas, for the Illinois-Jayhawks football game.
A woman at the bar claimed Shannon grabbed her and had sexual contact with her, according to the Associated Press.
He turned himself in and was released on $50,000 bail.
After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Illinois suspended him from team activities.
On January 8, the basketball star took action and said he was ready to take the mount. Legal action against the university This is to allow him to continue playing on the team despite facing rape charges.
“TJ has always maintained his innocence,” Goldenberg told 247Sports. “All he wants is a fair process, and we don't believe he's getting it yet.”
His lawyers argued that the university “rushed to judgment” and followed an “unfair” process in determining his suspension.
Last season, Shannon was a first-team All-Big Ten member.
He has played in 11 games this season, averaging 21.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
