LSU Football Player Faces Rape Investigation Amid Reduced University Punishment

LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin is currently under police investigation for an alleged rape, an accusation he denies. The probe by campus police and the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office began after the woman who accused him asked authorities to pursue a criminal complaint.

This development follows a finding by LSU's Office of Civil Rights and Title IX that found Shanklin responsible for 'forcible rape.' Initially, he received a one-year suspension from the university, which included a full ban from campus and activities. However, following an appeal, an administrative law judge upheld the finding of responsibility but reduced the punishment to four semesters of probation, allowing Shanklin to remain enrolled and on campus.

Shanklin's attorneys stated that he maintains his innocence and will cooperate with the criminal investigation. They have also indicated that the public narrative does not present a full account of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The alleged victim, Kendall Francis, came forward publicly in a TikTok video, stating she feels the university failed her. She told WAFB Channel 9 that she was under the impression that criminal charges would be pursued after the Title IX finding. Francis reported that she met a football player through social media and went to an LSU dorm room, where the alleged assault occurred.

LSU President Wade Rousse has stated that the university has handled the incident professionally and followed its policies and procedures, including the Title IX process. He affirmed that LSU is cooperating with law enforcement as their investigation proceeds.

Administrative Law Judge Janet Waguespack, in her August 25 decision, described the initial one-year suspension as 'exceedingly harsh.' She cited Shanklin's lack of prior disciplinary history and noted that the incident occurred on a single occasion and was brief. Judge Waguespack also indicated that Shanklin attempted to console the woman and that there was 'both consensual and nonconsensual activity' between them.

Shanklin, a redshirt freshman, played in five games in the previous year but has not appeared in any games this season and was not practicing with the team. Coach Lane Kiffin has confirmed Shanklin was not practicing with the team.

A Louisiana state lawmaker, State Rep. Vanessa Caston LaFleur, has expressed a desire to review the Title IX process and how such cases are handled, emphasizing that while LSU followed its procedures, the focus should also be on ensuring victims understand their next steps.