NBA Draft hopeful Terrence Shannon Jr. has been found not guilty of raping a woman in Kansas last September, and LeBron James believes some people owe the former Illinois star an apology.
‘To my young (crown emoji) Terrance Shannon Jr!’ James wrote in X. ‘I love you and salute you! Proud of you!! God is good!
“The apology should be 30 times stronger than the hate he received, but we know how it goes,” James said. ‘Anyway, back to the regular schedule. Great days ahead!’
James’ message was later posted by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Shannon, a former Illinois star and potential first-round pick in this month’s NBA Draft, was found not guilty Thursday on a rape charge after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict.
Terrence Shannon Jr., center, receives a hug after being found not guilty Thursday in Kansas
LeBron James thinks some people owe the former Illinois star an apology
Shannon, 23, was accused of committing sexual assault last September while visiting Kansas for an Illini-Jayhawks football game. She was charged with rape or an alternative charge of sexual assault, which led to her being suspended for six games; A federal judge later reinstated him and ruled that his civil rights had been violated.
Shannon testified that he met up with two roommates and some Kansas players at a bar on Sept. 8, 2023, but only had a few drinks and remembered everything that happened that night. Shannon said he did not find out about the rape allegation until several weeks later and that he had never seen the 18-year-old woman who had accused him until the case began.
The woman told police she was at the bar when a man, whom she later identified as Shannon, grabbed her buttocks and reached under her skirt to touch her. The woman claimed that the bar was full of people, so she couldn’t move.
Shannon testified that a woman close to him had been raped and that he would never treat another woman the same way.
The 6-foot-6 Shannon can play point guard or shooting guard. He is a potential first-round pick.
LeBron and Savannah James watch Bronny participate in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine
Shannon’s lawyers called the allegations a “blind accusation” and questioned the woman’s motives. They also criticized Douglas County prosecutors for a lack of evidence and a Lawrence detective for the thoroughness of her investigation.
Many scouts had been following the case closely ahead of the NBA draft, which is scheduled for June 26-27.
The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who can play point guard and shooting guard, played five seasons for Illinois. He was at his best last season, averaging 23 points for a team that reached the Elite Eight before losing to eventual national champion UConn.
Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American by The Associated Press.
