Two quick things to preface all of this with:
- Alleged victims of crime absolutely have a right to their day in court.
- "Not guilty" does not mean "innocent."
That all being said ... It's hard to look at the story of former University of Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. and not ask yourself: Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
Shannon's career and life were turned upside down, thanks to nothing more than allegations -- and those were allegations he was found not guilty of on Thursday.
Shannon was facing charges of felony rape and aggravated sexual assault, per ESPN, after a September 2023 incident where he allegedly assaulted a woman at a bar in Lawrence, Kansas.
The 6-foot-6 guard was arrested in December, and has vehemently denied the allegations since.
Despite Shannon's claims of innocence, the mere allegation was enough to truly derail his life.
Not only was the talented prospect (many had him pegged as a top-25 NBA Draft pick before any of this drama unfolded) suspended by his own team, but when he eventually did return to the court, he was harassed endlessly on the road.
Shannon -- despite not even being convicted of anything at the time -- was jeered by opposing fans, and subjected to mean-spirited "No means no" chants.
