LeBron James was one of the people to show their support for former University of Illinois men’s basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. after he was acquitted of rape.
On Thursday, Shannon Jr. was found not guilty of rape and aggravated sexual battery by jury in Douglas County over an alleged incident in a bar last September.
On Friday morning, Shannon got support from the NBA’s all-time greatest scorer.
James put out a post on X to Shannon, saying he was “proud” of the ‘Young King’.
To my Young 👑 Terrance Shannon Jr! Love and Salute you! Proud of you!! God is Good! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
The apologies should be 30X louder than the hate he got but we know how it goes. Anyways back to the regular scheduled program.
Great days ahead! ☀️☀️☀️✨✨✨
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 14, 2024
“The apologies should be 30X louder than the hate he got but we know how it goes,” James said. “Anyways back to the regular scheduled program. Great days ahead!”
The guard was initially 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 an alternative count of sexual battery, 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.
“Not celebrating because I know who my guy is… imagine playing in front of sell out crowds with people saying the craziest things to you and you’re innocent. Extremely proud of my guy to be able to block out all that noise and compete at an extremely high level,” he said.
Not celebrating because I know who my guy is… imagine playing in front of sell out crowds with people saying the craziest things to you and you’re innocent. Extremely proud of my guy to be able to block out all that noise and compete at an extremely 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 ruling was handed down.
— 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.