LeBron James Shows Support for Terrence Shannon Jr. After Rape Release
LeBron James was one of the people who showed his support for former University of Illinois men’s basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. after coming forward in a rape case.
On Thursday, Shannon Jr. was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault by a Douglas County judge for an alleged incident at a bar last September.
On Friday morning, Shannon received support from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
James posted an X to Shannon, saying he’s “proud” of the ‘Little King’.
To my little 👑 Terrance Shannon Jr! I love you and I salute you! I’m so proud of you!! God is Good! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
An apology should be 30X higher than the hate he received but we know how it goes. Anyway back to the regular schedule.
Good days ahead! ☀️☀️☀️✨✨✨
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 14, 2024
“An apology should be heard 30X more than the hate he received, but we know how it goes,” said James. “Anyway, back to the regular schedule. Good days ahead! “
The guard was first suspended by Illinois on December 28 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Douglas County District Attorney in Kansas.
Shannon was charged with rape or other sexual offense, and was suspended for six games.
However, a federal judge later reinstated him, ruling that his civil rights had been violated.
Others around basketball also showed their support for Shannon, including former teammate Coleman Hawkins.
“I’m not celebrating because I know who my boy is… see him playing in front of a sellout crowd and people are saying crazy things to you and you’re innocent. I’m so proud of my boy that he was able to block out all that noise and compete at the highest level,” she said.
I’m not celebrating because I know who my boy is… imagine playing in front of a sellout crowd and people saying crazy things to you and you’re innocent. I’m so proud of my boy for being able to block out all that noise and compete at such a high level. 💯🙏🏽🤑 pic.twitter.com/S13jLCMGnK
– Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) June 13, 2024
Shannon’s former coach Brad Underwood also posted a photo with Shannon after the decision was made.
– Brad Underwood (@CoachUnderwood) June 13, 2024
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 23 points and was voted first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American last season.
