Judge Reinstates Illinois Basketball Star Terrence Shannon Jr. Amid Rape Charge

University of Illinois violated Shannon's civil rights by suspending him without due process, according to federal judge's ruling.

Terrence Shannon Jr., a senior guard for the University of Illinois basketball team, has been reinstated after a federal judge granted his request for a temporary restraining order. Shannon had been suspended from the team due to a felony rape charge.
Judge Colleen Lawless ruled that the university had violated Shannon's civil rights by suspending him without due process. The suspension was said to have impacted Shannon's prospects in the upcoming NBA draft and his potential earnings from endorsements.
The alleged incident occurred in September in Lawrence, Kansas. Shannon was charged in December and subsequently suspended from the team. His lawyers argued that the university made a 'rush to judgment' and did not follow its protocols when deciding on the suspension.
The preliminary hearing in Shannon's criminal case is scheduled for February 23. The university retains the right to appeal the judge's decision.
Shannon, who leads the 14th-ranked Fighting Illini with an average of 21.7 points per game, has missed the past six games. The team went 4-2 in his absence.