Former Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. reportedly sues police and DA for "millions" after being cleared of rape charges

Three months after his trial, former Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is reportedly filing suit against the Kansas police department and Douglas County district attorney for malicious prosecution. Joining him in the claim is his mother, Treanette Redding.

According to Amanda Brennan of WCIA3, Shannon's legal team is seeking "millions."

In June 2024, Terrence Shannon Jr. was found not guilty of the rape and assault charges because of a mistaken identity. Shannon was first accused of committing sexual assault last September when he was in Kansas for a football game between the Jayhawks and the Illini.

The charges led him to be suspended from games, but was reinstated by a federal judge who ruled that his civil rights were violated. During the week-long trial, it was revealed that the alleged victim was in a group chat where an article about the guard's arrest was shared with a “Got his a**” message and two-dollar sign emojis.

Now, Shannon is pushing to receive "millions" from the Douglas County, Kansas, DA and the Lawrence, Kansas, police department, along with a detective employed there on the grounds of "malicious prosecution."

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Terrence Shannon Jr. is now continuing his professional career in the NBA

In the lead-up to the trial, many predicted that this incident would put a dent in Terrence Shannon Jr.'s prospects in the NBA draft. From an early first-round pick, the guard fell down the order and was picked at No. 27 by the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Rob Dillingham.

The Timberwolves president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly stood firm in his decision to support the guard, saying that due diligence had been done to assure his innocence.

“He was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood, we just think brings toughness,” Connelly said.

Shannon said:

“It made me a better leader. I just gravitated toward my team and my coaches more, my family.”

Despite the trying times, Terrence Shannon Jr. did not give up as he led the Illini on a March Madness run, advancing to the Elite Eight. He was named to the All-Big Ten first team, All-American third-team and was voted the Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament.

Now in the NBA, Shanon is expected to continue with his great performances as the Timberwolves prepare for the season set to begin next month.