Content warning: This article contains depictions of suspected sexual assault.
Former Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. addressed sexual assault allegations against him for the first time Tuesday during the NBA Draft.
Shannon did not go into detail about the charges against her or the sexual assault trial she faces next month, but said she knew how “serious” the situation was.
“Obviously, this is a really serious accusation, and I know that, and I can't go into detail about it, but I just want to focus on what I can control, which is basketball, and what I do on the court.” I'm focused. In the weight room with my family,” he said via WCIA.
Shannon is accused of groping and sexually assaulting a woman at a crowded bar near the University of Kansas campus on Sept. 8 while he was in town for a Jayhawks football game against Illinois. ing. The woman reported the incident to police the next day and went to a local hospital to be examined for sexual assault.
Shannon has since repeatedly denied the accusations, with her lawyers pointing to a lack of eyewitness testimony and very clear surveillance evidence. It happened,” he said.
The state of Illinois suspended Mr. Shannon indefinitely on Dec. 28 after a warrant was issued for his arrest. However, less than a month later, Illinois issued a temporary restraining order forcing him to return, and he returned to finish the season at Illinois. He received criticism from opposing fans, but both the Illini players and the program remained largely silent about the lawsuit while selecting the Illini players for the Elite Eight.
“I've said it many times, I'm a college basketball coach,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said during the NCAA Tournament. “When I found out about it, it was Josh Whitman, the athletic director, who let me know. Then it was a decision made by the university, and then obviously it went to court and I was in the locker room. I've always said I was going to coach the players and be the best supporter for the guys I coach every day. We have to find a way to get through those tough times and be successful. It was.
“Then he came back and joined us and was part of our team again. He's always been a great teammate. We got him back and we're sitting here today.”
Shannon pleaded not guilty at a hearing in Kansas last week. He is scheduled to go on trial next month.
Shannon simply said Tuesday via ESPN, “I'm looking forward to my day in court.”
Shannon averaged 23 points and four rebounds per game last season at the University of Illinois. Yahoo Sports' Kristen Peake plans to select him with the 21st overall pick in next month's NBA Draft. His trial is expected to be over by the draft.
The incident still haunts her several months later as she prepares for the trip, but Shannon insists she is mentally “okay.” He tries to ignore everything as much as possible.
“I feel like no matter what, people are going to have an opinion about me,” Shannon said, via ESPN. “No matter what you're going through, or no matter what you're going through, don't let other people's opinions influence you.”
