BREAKING: LSU Title IX Appeal Upheld Finding Involving Damien Shanklin, WAFB Reports
Updated: Oct 2
LSU's internal administrative decision now has a publicly identified player attached to it, but the distinction between a campus finding and a criminal verdict remains essential.
Quick Answer
WAFB identified LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin on October 1, 2026, as the player involved in a Title IX case that LSU reportedly decided earlier this year. WAFB says LSU upheld an administrative finding on appeal but changed the sanction to disciplinary probation without restrictions. Shanklin's attorneys maintain his innocence. He has not been arrested or criminally charged, and the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office is conducting a separate investigation.
Who was identified in the LSU Title IX case?
WAFB reported that LSU defensive end Damien Shanklin is the player involved. Attorneys Grant L. Willis and Morgan H. Johnson said Shanklin maintains his innocence regarding the alleged October 18, 2025 incident and will cooperate fully with the criminal investigation.
The identification replaces the most important unknown in TigerHype's original September 23 report. It does not resolve the allegation, establish criminal guilt or announce a team-status decision.
What did LSU reportedly decide?
According to internal university documents described by WAFB, LSU's Title IX office made an administrative finding involving Shanklin. WAFB reported that the finding was upheld on appeal.
TigerHype has not independently reviewed the complete case file or appeal decision. The university has not publicly released those records in full.
How did the sanction reportedly change?
WAFB reported that LSU initially imposed a one-year suspension and later modified the sanction on appeal to disciplinary probation without restrictions. The reported change allowed Shanklin to return to campus and remain on the roster.
That sanction belongs to LSU's administrative process. It is not a criminal sentence, and it should not be described as one.
How is the criminal investigation different?
TigerHype's updated criminal-investigation report tracks the separate East Baton Rouge District Attorney review. ABC News reported that the district attorney is working with LSU Police, Baton Rouge Police and other agencies.
A university Title IX proceeding generally uses an administrative standard and can impose campus discipline. A criminal case requires law enforcement, a charging decision by prosecutors and proof beyond a reasonable doubt for conviction.
As of October 1:
Shanklin had not been arrested.
Prosecutors had not filed a criminal charge.
His attorneys publicly denied the allegation.
No court had determined guilt.
What has LSU said?
LSU President Wade Rousse has said the university takes misconduct allegations seriously, followed its policies and Title IX process, and will cooperate with law enforcement. Federal privacy rules limit what LSU can disclose about individual student disciplinary matters.
The central accountability question is no longer whether LSU conducted a process. Public reporting says it did. The question is how the university reached the reported sanction on appeal and what it can explain without violating student privacy.
What happens next?
The district attorney's investigation continues on its own track. Separately, LSU could issue a verified personnel or roster update. Until that happens, any football-status claim remains speculation.
For confirmed team information, follow TigerHype's 2026 LSU Football season hub and depth-chart and roster tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did LSU's Title IX office reportedly decide?
WAFB reports that LSU's Title IX office made an administrative finding involving Damien Shanklin and upheld that finding on appeal.
Was Damien Shanklin's sanction changed on appeal?
Yes, according to WAFB. The reported sanction changed from a one-year suspension to disciplinary probation without restrictions.
Has Damien Shanklin been arrested or criminally charged?
No. As of October 1, 2026, no arrest or prosecutor-filed criminal charge had been publicly reported.
What did Shanklin's attorneys say?
Attorneys Grant L. Willis and Morgan H. Johnson said Damien Shanklin maintains his innocence and will cooperate fully with the criminal investigation.
Does a Title IX finding establish criminal guilt?
No. A Title IX proceeding is administrative and uses different procedures and standards from a criminal case. Criminal guilt can be determined only through the criminal-justice process.
Comments