Illinois Basketball Star Speaks For the First Time Since Suspension

After two weeks of waiting, we have finally heard from Illinois Basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr since his suspension.

Illinois Basketball star, Terrence Shannon jr has posted a letter from his perspective addressed to the University of Illinois student-athlete conduct panel. The panel upheld the Illinois Basketball star’s suspension after the rape charges were filed back on December 28th. This letter comes less than 24 hours after Shannon’s attorneys filed for a temporary restraining order, which, if granted, would allow him to return to the court this week.

In Shannon’s letter, he continues to be adamant about his innocence. He goes into detail about what exactly happened in Lawrence, Kansas in September. Shannon writes,

“On September 8, 2023, I went to Lawrence, Kansas for the Kansas-Illinois football game with an Illini grad assistant and fellow teammate. After the game, we went out in Lawrence with some friends who go to KU. We stayed out at the jam-packed Jayhawk Cafe for the evening with a group of friends. My travel partners were with me at the Jayhawk Cafe for the entire evening. As to the criminal charges against me, I am declaring my innocence, as I did back in September.”

Obviously, Shannon didn’t go into detail about the alleged incident (nor did he need to in this letter), but this portion of the letter was helpful to know some more context from his perspective. You can read the rest of Shannon’s letter down below…

Terrence’s Letter to the Panel.

“I have totally cooperated with that process and will continue to do so. While I appreciate my lawyers and their ability to fight the case in court, I know that the criminal justice system takes time. So my day in court will not come about for a long time, most likely long after the NBA draft, and I may not be cleared of the charges until it’s too late. The harm that I will suffer from an immediate suspension can never be undone, and I will never have this opportunity to further my collegiate career or fulfill my lifelong dream to play in the NBA. Going forward, I want nothing more than to play basketball for the University of Illinois, and I remain hopeful that my due process rights will be honored and allow for a full reinstatement while this case is pending.

It is impossible for you to get to know me as a person without sitting down with me face-to-face, which is an opportunity I would welcome. But let me provide some personal history: my mom and dad separated when I was 2 and I lived with my mom after that time. My mom Treanette is my rock. With my NIL money (which is [redacted] this year, and is expected to be [redacted] next year), I am supporting my mother and my four siblings through her (a 7-year-old brother, a 12-year-old sister, a 14-year-old sister, and a 21 year old sister). I pay for their rent, food, and other necessities. My mom is hard working; she is a dialysis clerk, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Then I also provide a lot of financial support to my other three siblings through my father (a 12-year-old brother, a 17-year-old brother, and a 19-year-old sister).

I have worked hard to earn my degree in sociology from the University of Illinois this May, something I’m extremely proud of. I believe that I might have one more year of NCAA eligibility, but given what I think is my current draft position (if I’m permitted to play again), now is the time to graduate, go pro, and make my family and university proud in the NBA. I really hope that I get to do so. I worked all my life to get to this point, and to have it taken away will be life changing in a devastating way.

I have no criminal history. None. My mom raised me well. I respect the law, my professors, coaches, and all those who support the team and the university. I love this school and everyone I’ve come across here. I was recruited by Illinois out of high school and always wanted to come back. After a successful time at Texas Tech, I was recruited by several schools but my heart was with Illinois. I’m glad I came back — I love the team, the school, and the students who cheer us on.

Basketball is my life, it always has been, and the game has given me the chance to not only follow my dreams, but also to provide for my family. I would be lost without basketball. The work ethic required to play basketball at a high level guides me in other aspects of my life. When I can’t sleep, I hit the gym. When I need to clear my head or need to get focused to prepare for a big exam, I hit the gym. In many ways, basketball is both my energy and my therapy.

As it relates to my participation in Illini basketball, I can’t put into words how much my coaches and teammates mean to me. We are a family, and I know my role. We all care for and support each other, and I want to get back to doing my part. Since I was a little boy, I have always thrived on competition. The success I have experienced is beyond my wildest dreams. As a team, I strongly believe we can make an impact in the NCAA and be formidable opponents in the March tournament. I need to get back to my basketball family as soon as possible.

But I’m still in shock and having difficulty coping mentally. When you are dealing with a situation like mine, you feel helpless. I really hope that nobody has to go through what I’m going through right now. My focus is just trying to stay positive. I’ve learned a lot through this situation about how to keep your mind positive, but honestly it is a struggle most days. I feel sympathy for victims of sexual assault. It’s a horrific crime that leaves permanent scars. But this makes the pain even worse on my mental state — it’s appalling to be associated with such a crime. I worked my whole life to develop a good reputation. I was raised by my mom. I have sisters. I have the utmost respect for women. I would be nothing without the women in my life.

As I said above, basketball has allowed me to care for those that have supported me throughout my life. I have met so many amazing people along the way and have fostered relationships that have molded my future. With the recent changes to N.I.L., I have been allowed the opportunity to provide for my mother, financially, as she has provided for me, as well as my many siblings. I am finally able to give back and offer the support needed to care for my family, friends and loved ones in need. Unfortunately, I have come to the devastating realization that, if suspended from basketball, all of this can be taken away from me (and everyone else). Many people rely on me, and I certainly don’t want to let anyone down. All I ever wanted to do was to make my family proud. I have worked very hard to position myself to accomplish my goals.

In closing, I want to again emphasize the fact that a continued suspension would alter the trajectory of my career and probably kill it. I have been very focused and determined to finish my collegiate basketball career on a high note, and to graduate with a degree from one of the top universities in the country — I’m just as proud of that.

Through hard work and commitment to my team and the overall process, I have positioned myself among some elite players in the NCAA, and if allowed to play basketball, my sources are confident that I have the potential to be a lottery pick in this year’s NBA draft. Despite what has been alleged, my goals have not changed, nor has my loyalty to my coaches, team, and Illini community. I have continued my training and have not relaxed my willingness to excel and get better every day.

I want to give everything to my team, my coaches, and the university. I want to do anything I can to promote my school in a positive light and secure our best chance for a National Championship. If sidelined now, to “wait until the criminal case is over”, my life as I know it will be ruined. I undoubtedly will have my day in court, and I trust my legal team will work in my favor to achieve success.

Unfortunately, I cannot wait for the wheels of justice from the sidelines. My opportunity to showcase my work ethic, commitment, and talent will be eliminated. So, too, will the opportunity to play this game professionally. The harm I will suffer from a summary suspension cannot be reversed.

Most respectfully,

Terrence (TJ) Shannon Jr.”