Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. has been reinstated from his suspension after a federal choose granted his movement for a brief restraining order in opposition to the varsity.
Shannon sought the order in opposition to the varsity’s board of trustees earlier this month, so he might return from a suspension after being charged with rape final month.
The guard was granted a preliminary injunction by U.S. District Choose Colleen Lawless, and the varsity confirmed Shannon would rejoin the staff “instantly.”
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Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Illinois Combating Illini handles the ball in opposition to the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Middle Dec. 2, 2022, in Faculty Park, Md. (G Fiume/Getty Photographs)
“Terrence Shannon Jr. has been reinstated to full standing as a college student-athlete and might be accessible for basketball follow and competitors,” the varsity mentioned, by way of 24/7 Sports activities. “We’ll proceed to assessment the court docket order and monitor the case.”
“The Plaintiff has established that he has clearly ascertainable rights that want safety and there’s some chance of success on the deserves,” Lawless wrote. “The Courtroom additional finds that Plaintiff has no sufficient treatment at regulation and can undergo irreparable hurt with out an injunction.
“The potential hurt to Plaintiff outweighs any hurt to the College. The general public curiosity will not be harmed by granting injunctive aid to permit for added procedural safeguards whereas he’s presumed harmless of the legal fees. As a result of Plaintiff financially helps a number of members of the family, the Courtroom is not going to require Plaintiff to publish bond.”
Shannon’s attorneys argued the college rushed to judgment and didn’t observe its protocols. Lawless mentioned the varsity is prohibited from suspending Shannon earlier than permitting him the safety of coverage via the varsity’s Workplace of Pupil Battle Decision.
Illinois Combating Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. throughout a recreation in opposition to the Tennessee Volunteers Dec. 9, 2023, at Meals Metropolis Middle in Knoxville, Tenn. (Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
Prosecutors in Douglas County charged Shannon Dec. 5 with rape or another depend of sexual battery. The criticism says the accuser was born in 2005. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Illinois suspended Shannon Dec. 28 from “all staff actions, efficient instantly.”
The alleged sufferer instructed police Shannon pulled her towards him, put his palms beneath her skirt and touched her sexually. She mentioned the room was so crowded she couldn’t “do something,” an affidavit mentioned.
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Shannon transferred to Illinois from Texas Tech previous to the beginning of the 2021-22 season. He performed in 11 video games this season and was averaging 21.7 factors, 4.5 rebounds and a couple of.5 assists.
The college mentioned it was conscious of the allegations since final September however had “but to obtain actionable data” till Dec. 27.
Illinois’ Terrence Shannon Jr. passes through the first half of a recreation in opposition to Missouri Dec. 22, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Picture/Jeff Roberson)
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Shannon was an All-Massive Ten first-team choice final season.
He final performed Dec. 22, when he dropped 30 factors and grabbed 11 rebounds in opposition to Missouri of their “Braggin’ Rights” rivalry.
Illinois (13-4, 3-2), ranked No. 14 within the nation, hosts Rutgers Sunday. Shannon has missed six video games.
Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos and The Related Press contributed to this report.
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