Frank Shannon faces 1-year ban

The University of Oklahoma has suspended starting linebacker Frank Shannon for one year, but the punishment has not yet gone into effect.

Shannon was found guilty of violating Oklahoma's sexual misconduct policy, but has the right to appeal the ruling to a district court, which would be the reason why the university would be unable to enforce its decision at the moment.

According to a Title IX sexual misconduct allegation report obtained in April by The Oklahoman, a female Oklahoma student accused Shannon of sexually assaulting her at an off-campus apartment in January. The Cleveland County district attorney's office declined to prosecute the case, noting the alleged victim didn't want to press charges. But under federal law, the university was obligated to conduct its own internal investigation.

University president David Boren released a statement Monday afternoon saying the school had reached a final decision June 18 to suspend Shannon from both school and athletic activities and "is taking every legal step possible to move this process forward."

"The University is currently seeking to enforce its decision so that it may be in compliance with federal law requiring responses by institutions to such matters in a timely manner," Boren's statement read. "With the fall semester beginning August 18, time is of the essence."

Boren added that federal privacy law prohibited him from discussing the case further.

Shannon led the Sooners with 92 tackles last season and has continued practicing with the team.

Shannon was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last season. If he is suspended from the school, Oklahoma most likely would insert sophomore Jordan Evans into the starting lineup at inside linebacker. Evans had 12 tackles in a reserve role for the Sooners last season.