Details have emerged behind the 30-day suspension of Maryland men’s basketball assistant coach Bruce Shingler. Maryland announced the suspension shortly before the team’s 94-87 double overtime win over Northwestern Wednesday evening.
Maryland didn’t provide details in the announcement other than Shingler was suspended “for a violation of his employment agreement.”
According to Emily Giambalvo of the Washington Post, Shingler was suspended following charges against him for soliciting prostitution on Oct. 14. A trial is set for Feb. 28.
The charging documents related to Shingler’s arrest, which were provided by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, indicated Shingler “confirmed that he wanted to engage in sex with me in exchange for a fee of $80.00,” according to the statement of probable cause written by the arresting officer. The statement then notes that Shingler handed the money to the officer, who alerted the arrest team.
Maryland didn’t become aware of the charges until this week.
There is no confirmation whether Shingler is suspended with or without pay. However, Giambalvo explains Maryland cannot suspend an employee more than 30 days without pay.
Shingler’s situation adds another hurdle into Maryland’s 2021-22 season. Last month, head coach Mark Turgeon and Maryland agreed to mutually part ways eight games into the season.
Turgeon was in his 11th season at Maryland. Apparently, Turgeon was burned out from the immense pressure and criticism of the restless Terrapins fan base. Danny Manning became the interim coach in the aftermath.
Turgeon hired Shingler before the season. Shingler was previously an assistant at South Carolina under head coach Frank Martin.
