LSU Player Faces DA Probe After Rape Suspension Cut to Probation
LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin under criminal investigation after Title IX case reduced to probation.
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LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin is facing a criminal investigation by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office following allegations of rape from a female student. The incident, which allegedly occurred in an on-campus dormitory in October 2025, has sparked controversy over the university’s handling of the case.
Case Overview and University Response
The LSU Office of Civil Rights and Title IX initially found Shanklin responsible for a forcible rape, leading to a two-semester suspension. However, an appeal by Shanklin reduced the punishment to four semesters of probation, with an administrative law judge citing the original penalty as ‘exceedingly harsh.’
Despite the university’s claim of strict adherence to Title IX procedures, the case has drawn public scrutiny. The accuser, Kendall Danielle Francis, 19, made her allegations public in a TikTok video, accusing Shanklin of sending her $1,000 after she obtained a rape kit, which she described as ‘hush money.’
Legal and Investigative Steps
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III has requested all relevant records from LSU, the LSU Police Department, and other local agencies to investigate the case. The DA emphasized the need for transparency, stating, ‘I have requested all reports, interviews, evidence and other relevant records.’
Shanklin’s attorneys have denied any wrongdoing, urging the public to wait for more information before forming opinions. ‘We simply ask that the court of public opinion cease to make any assumptions about any person involved until more information is publicly available,’ they said.
Broader Context and Recent Trends
The case follows a July Title IX sex-discrimination suit by an Ohio Dominican University graduate assistant, which led to the Department of Education moving to restore Trump-era Title IX regulations. Critics argue that universities often prioritize protecting athletes over addressing sexual misconduct, a concern echoed by LSU-affiliated users on social media.
While Shanklin has not been criminally charged, the case highlights the ongoing debate over campus policies and the legal consequences of sexual misconduct allegations in higher education.
Source: Breitbart
