LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin is currently under investigation by both the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office and campus police after a female student accused him of rape. This criminal investigation is moving forward even after the LSU Office of Civil Rights and Title IX found Shanklin responsible for “forcible rape” back in July.
From Suspension to Probation: The Title IX Reversal That Sparked Public Outcry
The LSU Office of Civil Rights and Title IX originally handed Shanklin a one-year suspension in July after finding him responsible for “forcible rape,” according to documents reviewed by ESPN. However, Shanklin appealed that decision, and his punishment was slashed dramatically to probation instead. The initial police report against Shanklin had been filed way back in October 2025. This move by LSU clearly didn’t sit right with the accuser. She took her allegations public in a TikTok video posted on September 14, reportedly asking police to pursue a criminal case against Shanklin. How does a finding of “forcible rape” lead to just probation? That’s the question many are surely asking. Shanklin’s attorneys, Grant L. Willis and Morgan H. Johnson of the Taylor Porter Law firm, stated their client is fully cooperating and maintains his innocence. They claim what’s out there on social media “is not a full account of all of the facts.” They’re asking the public not to make assumptions given the ongoing criminal investigation.
The Victim’s Story: $1,000 Payment and a Viral TikTok Video
According to the Title IX documents ESPN reviewed, the victim alleges Shanklin sent her $1,000 to keep quiet and not press charges after an initial encounter at his residence. When Shanklin appealed and got probation, that’s when she went public on TikTok. The accuser spoke out in her social media video, saying the situation “made my anxiety really, really bad because I don’t want to face this person.” This led her to go online full-time, trying to “speak on my story because LSU does really protect their athletes, especially their football players.” She wanted to “bring awareness upon this situation” because she’s “dealing with a lot right now,” believing her “story needs to be heard.” This is heavy stuff, and it paints a picture of serious concern about how these cases are handled.
LSU, for its part, told USA Today that its Title IX policies and procedures were “strictly followed” in Shanklin’s case. LSU president Wade Rousse also weighed in, saying the administration takes “very seriously any allegations of misconduct involving students on our campuses.” He added, “Safety and security must be our number one priority,” and assured everyone the incident “has been handled professionally” with policies “strictly followed.” The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office has confirmed an investigation is underway, but they aren’t offering any further comment right now. This is a developing story that’s gonna keep everyone watching closely.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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