Sports

Illini Star Roasts Bad-Mouthing Big 10 Rival After Teammate Terrence Shannon’s Not Guilty Verdict

#Terrence Shannon Jr.
by Last Updated
Terrence Shannon celebrates a play with Illinois teammate Coleman Hawkins.

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Terrence Shannon, Jr. was found not guilty on assault charges this week, putting an end to a nightmare that consumed the guard’s final collegiate season.

With that verdict coming in on Thursday afternoon, he can now turn his full attention to the NBA.

Shannon averaged 23 points per game last year to lead his team to an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Though the Illini fell to eventual national champion, UCONN, the season was considered an overwhelming success – and Shannon’s presence on the court helped boost his NBA Draft stock.

That presence was in doubt during Big 10 play as those assault charges, stemming from an offseason football game visit to Kansas, led to a brief dismissal from the team.

In an unprecedented turn of events, Shannon filed a temporary restraining order against his own basketball team which allowed him to compete throughout the remainder of the year.

While Illini fans welcomed him back to the floor, he was reviled by opposing fanbases.

One particularly unruly crowd was seen in Madison on a road trip to face the Wisconsin Badgers. Big 10 officials actually threatened UW band members with ejection from the stands due to their chanting, “No means no,” in Terrence Shannon’s direction.

When all was said and done, Shannon didn’t let the hostility in opposing venues affect his production. Now, he’s destined for the NBA, and the recent verdict will only solidify his position on a professional roster.

That being said, not everyone is ready to forget about the actions of those bad-mouthing rivals.

Coleman Hawkins roasted a Wisconsin social media account after the Terrence Shannon verdict was made public.

Some details arose as the trial transpired hinting at that “not guilty” decision come week’s end. Maybe most damning were text messages shared between the alleged victim and her friends that placed the legitimacy of her claims in doubt.

From Mitch Gilfillan on X:

When ESPN article broke on 12/28/23 of TSJ allegations, group text messages offered into evidence show:

Friend: (ESPN article link shared) OMG

Best friend: You got him

Alleged Victim: YUPPP YESSSIRR

Friend: Got his a– 🤑🤑

*The use of money signs (emoji above) was blown up on an exhibit by TSJ attorneys.

That outcome was confirmed on Thursday when the court’s decision came out.

Upon seeing those details, as well as the verdict, a number of social media accounts posted responses in support of Terrence Shannon – one being a Wisconsin Barstool page.

“Good to see Terrence Shannon and his attorney destroying this allegation,” a message read on X. “Joke of a trial.”

While that response to the trial outcome was a positive one, Shannon’s teammate Coleman Hawkins hadn’t forgotten about that trip to Madison earlier in the basketball season.

“I know that ain’t who I think it is.”

Hawkins didn’t forget, and Shannon probably didn’t either! In the end, it’s the Badgers (and a few other Big 10 brethren) who look foolish.