Oklahoma linebacker Frank Shannon has been suspended for the entire 2014 season by the University of Oklahoma pending an appeal. Shannon was accused of sexually assaulting a female student on January 20th in his apartment. Under Title IX any claims of sexual assault, harassment, and other allegations, has to be reported. Shannon was never actually charged with assault, however. By law the school was required to conduct an investigation which resulted in this suspension. 

Shannon would be a big loss for the Sooner defense. He led the team in tackles last season with 92. The assumptions of his eligibility were a reason why Oklahoma was considered to have one of the top defenses in the nation in 2014. He was still listed on the roster at the "Meet the Sooners Day" event. If the suspension holds up, it will be up to Jordan Evans to fill in for the starter. 

University President David Boren released a statement on Monday talking about the decision and the importance of a quick decision. 

"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. With the fall semester beginning August 18th, time is of the essence." 

Frank Shannon was granted a stay by the district court, allowing him to remain enrolled as a student and a participant in team activities. A hearing is scheduled for August 21, just nine days before the season opener against Louisiana Tech in which the appeal will be decided. The Sooners are trying to speed up the process by taking the case to the Supreme Court, according to Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman. Kersey cited three reasons as to why Oklahoma is using to uphold their case. 

The first reason is that the Oklahoma's Administrative Procedures Act was amended to leave out all public universities which includes Oklahoma. Second, the University is arguing that the stay ordered by the judge is unconstitutional and is an invasion of the school's rights. Finally, according to Kersey, is that Shannon was only suspended and not expelled, so the district court cannot make this decision. 

The Shannon case brings up more questions for the University about eligibility about players who can help the Sooners next season. Oklahoma will be playing with two back up quarterbacks who have little experience in college, though Baker Mayfield could add some experience to the depth chart. Joe Mixon has been praised as the next Adrian Peterson and Dorial Green-Beckham showed last year how dangerous he could be.