University of Illinois Basketball Star Terrence Shannon Jr. to Stand Trial on Rape Charge

A Kansas judge has ordered University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr. to stand trial on a rape charge following a testimony from a woman in Lawrence, Kansas. Shannon, 23, hailing from Champaign, Illinois, is accused of committing sexual assault on September 9. Shannon was reportedly in Lawrence to watch a football game between the Illini and the University of Kansas.

Shannon, who led the Illini in scoring this past season and helped them reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before facing eventual champions Connecticut, faces the charge of rape or an alternative count of sexual battery. The incident led to his suspension for six games, later reinstated by a federal judge ruling his civil rights had been violated.

The allegations arose from a woman’s report to the police, stating that Shannon had touched her inappropriately in a crowded bar. Shannon denied the accusations in court during his testimony.

Judge Sally Pokorny has ordered Shannon to stand trial and allowed him to remain free on a $50,000 bond until the trial date.