|
The defense team for Shannon, who was suspended
from the team for six games last season but reinstated before
the postseason, says the video shows another man standing by the
alleged victim at the bar where the alleged rape occurred on
Sept. 9.
Shannon's trial is expected to start on Monday.
Shannon was charged in December, although the university dropped
its investigation of the incident in April. He guided the
Fighting Illini to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before
they lost to eventual national champion UConn.
Calling the man in the video a "third-party defendant," the
judge noted the defense's report that the man was accused of
sexually touching another woman at the same bar two weeks
earlier.
The alleged victim in the case involving Shannon told officers
that Shannon sexually penetrated her with his fingers. She
identified him through pictures she saw online.
The judge added: "The third-party defendant is alleged to have
been present at the scene of this case and this alleged crime.
The court finds that that evidence is relevant and admissible
and the defense will be allowed to present that evidence."
Shannon averaged 23 points in 32 games (31 starts) this season.
He led the team in scoring and 3-point baskets (77).
Shannon hopes to be selected in the NBA Draft, slated for June
26-27. Some draft projections have him being selected in the
lottery.
--Field Level Media [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely
responsible for this content. |
|
