A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”
A continuing throughout Timberwolves President Tim Connelly’s tenure has been his need to amass gamers who’ve good character and are good suits within the locker room and the group as an entire.
On Wednesday evening, Connelly drafted Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. who, earlier this month, was discovered not responsible of rape and aggravated sexual assault stemming from an incident in a Kansas bar in September.
After Illinois suspended him following his arrest, Shannon sued and received the precise to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He was the Illini’s main scorer and have become a third-team All-America whereas main the Illini to the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle in March.
However Connelly had no qualms about selecting Shannon regardless of his authorized battle over the past 12 months. After making the decide, Connelly made a powerful assertion in assist of Shannon’s character.
“It is a disgrace that it is even a footnote [on his career],” Connelly mentioned. “It is a disgrace to say he was acquitted — should you actually dig, it is a actually unlucky factor for a child by all accounts … is a superb child.
“Oftentimes, the minute you are accused you are discovered responsible. Fortunately he went via the authorized course of. He selected to go to trial as a result of he knew he did nothing improper. I simply assume it is a disgrace he went via that and I feel it is a testomony to who he’s as a child and his capacity to play via a very powerful distraction.”
Connelly mentioned the group did “a ton” of labor trying into Shannon’s background and the case, which unfolded this fashion:
Shannon went to Lawrence, Kan., to observe the Illini soccer group tackle Kansas on Sept. 8, and whereas there he visited a bar. The lady alleged that Shannon pulled her towards him and touched her inappropriately in a non-public space. Later that month, Illinois mentioned it realized of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Shannon. An arrest warrant for Shannon was not issued till Dec. 27. All through the method, Shannon, via his lawyer, denied all fees and mentioned he would prevail in court docket.
Illinois suspended Shannon, however he sued and was granted his proper to proceed enjoying. He turned top-of-the-line gamers within the nation and led the Illini to a second-place end within the Large Ten common season and the Large Ten event title at Goal Middle.
At his trial earlier this month, Shannon testified to say the girl mistook him for any person else, and that he by no means noticed her till the authorized course of started enjoying out. The lady discovered Shannon on a group roster on-line and advised authorities it was he who raped her.
Shannon’s DNA proof was not discovered on the girl after she was examined that evening. Shannon additionally had character witnesses testify on his behalf together with witnesses from the bar. The protection group was allowed to submit video proof to indicate that one other man on the bar who was near the girl on the time may have been the one that dedicated the acts.
As soon as a jury discovered Shannon not responsible, Illinois officers, together with coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman, launched statements with effusive reward of Shannon.
“This has been a really severe and unlucky state of affairs for all events concerned, and I’m completely satisfied for Terrence that it has been resolved and his identify has been cleared,” Whitman mentioned. “We look ahead to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”
At Illinois, Shannon is ready to have his jersey raised to the rafters after this season. Shannon’s All-America third-team standing did not meet the necessities to have his jersey raised, beneath this system’s tips, however Whitman and the varsity made an exception, given the truth that his pending litigation seemingly affected his standing with voters.
“All of us perceive that there have been, now, elements past his management that prevented these votes from being the place they wanted to be to ensure that him to fulfill the factors,” Whitman advised reporters earlier this month. “And we’re completely satisfied to make an exception on this case to acknowledge one of many nice gamers that our program has ever seen.”