The Chants

Every reaction I've had surrounding this topic has been delayed. I wasn't sure what to say in late December when the allegations came out (and I left that game at halftime because I just couldn't flip my brain to sports mode). I wasn't sure how to write about it when the suspension was lifted and I waited a long time to say anything. And now that the court case is over and Terrence Shannon Jr. has been found not guilty, I'm still not sure how to talk about any of this.

That's now how I should say it. I'm still not sure... I should say anything. I don't feel like it's my place. The tributes to Terrence from his teammates and coaches – just a single photo of the two of them, posted on social media – have been perfect. They rode this roller coaster with him. They should all exhale together. They should provide the hugs.

Me? I'm just a fan, and that's what has kept me from saying anything this entire time. That's why I got so upset when someone impersonated me on the radio in Champaign to say that they couldn't wait for "Agent Zero" to be cleared and return from his suspension. Fan feelings have meant and continue to mean nothing in this ordeal. Lives/futures were at stake.