According to a report on Stadium, citing multiple sources, Wichita State University is expected to part ways with head basketball coach Gregg Marshall after allegations emerged that he had been verbally and physically abusive, and had even punched a player in 2015.
Stadium also originally reported on the allegations, which included interviews with more than 30 current and former members of the Shockers program. Former player Shaq Morris alleged that Marshall had punched him twice during a 2015 practice. Marshall was also accused of choking former assistant Kyle Lindsted during the 2016-17 season. Marshall has denied those allegations, writing in a statement to the Wichita Eagle that “I simply state unequivocally that I have never physically struck a player or colleague.”
Meanwhile, Wichita State launched an investigation with St. Louis-based Tueth Keeney. Stadium reports that investigation was able to turn up corroborating evidence of the allegations against Marshall.
The most severe allegation involves Morris, who was allegedly punched in the head during a practice after Morris attempted to block teammate Zach Brown’s shot, causing Brown to fall awkwardly.
“It was probably a foul, but it wasn’t malicious,” one player said of the incident. “But Zach landed hard and it just set everything off.”
Marshall, according to six players who spoke to Stadium independently, flew into a rage and punched Morris, who left the practice.
Other allegations against Marshall include verbal abuse, racial taunts and body-shaming.
The Wichita Eagle was unable to confirm news of Marshall’s departure, but was able to report that Marshall had not been at practice this week. Details of his reported departure — specifically whether he’s being fired or resigning — remain unclear.
