U of I drops investigation of Terrence Shannon Jr., takes no disciplinary action

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois has dropped its investigation into rape allegations against Terrence Shannon, Jr. and decided not to take disciplinary action against him. In turn, Shannon has dropped his lawsuit against the university.

WCIA obtained on Wednesday a letter addressed to Shannon from the Office of Student Conflict Resolution. Dated April 5, the letter said investigators did not find sufficient evidence to deem Shannon in violation of the sections of the university’s Student Code that are applicable to his case.

The letter noted that the investigators did not have access to the complete files of the Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department. The investigators also did not have access to the woman accusing Shannon of rape and her witnesses.

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As a result, the university’s investigation into Shannon is being dropped with no disciplinary action being taken against him. The university did note, however, that the investigation can be reopened if hew evidence comes to light.

In response, Shannon voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against the university, which he filed in January following his suspension from the team. Shannon was granted an injunction by U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless, based on due process grounds, which allowed him to return to the court after missing six games. Shannon remained available to the team for the remainder of the season, which included a Big Ten Tournament championship and an appearance in the Elite 8 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

This development does not impact the status of his criminal case in the State of Kansas. He is due back in court on May 10.

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