Oklahoma football: Frank Shannon hit with one-year suspension

The Oklahoma Sooners have had a bizarre off-season to say the least. Monday afternoon it was announced Frank Shannon, returning redshirt junior linebacker, has been suspended for one year by the University of Oklahoma.

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Earlier this year, Frank Shannon was accused of sexually assaulting a female OU student, but he was never charged. The University, however, conducted its own investigation, which apparently concluded on June 18th according to a statement released by OU president David Boren.

Frank Shannon’s status has been up in the air for most of the off-season, and the news released today does not bode well for OU’s leading tackler in 2013.

The full statement from OU president David Boren reads as follows:

“The University of Oklahoma has been asked repeatedly by the media about the outcome of the internal disciplinary proceedings relating to Frank Shannon. As permitted by Federal privacy laws in matters such as these, the University is allowed to disclose its institutional processes and its final decisions. This process includes the Title IX Office inquiry, a hearing panel comprised of faculty and staff, and an appeal to the chief student affairs officer. This process was completed on June 18th. The final decision of the internal disciplinary process was suspension of the student for one year. Federal privacy law and other legal considerations prohibit me from discussing the case further.”

Shannon can still appeal the decision and get on the field this season. He has been participating in spring practices, fall camp, and made an appearance at Meet the Sooners Day.

The University of Oklahoma, however, will attempt to enforce this decision and try to wrap this case up as soon as they can. Due to legal reasons, the University could not comment any further, and they will try to move forward with its decision with the start of the fall semester quickly approaching.

Losing Frank Shannon would be a huge blow to the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense. Jordan Evans, a sophomore, would likely take Shannon’s place and put more weight on the shoulders of Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander as returning starters.

The Sooners open their season in less than three weeks when they battle the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on August 30.

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