Staples High School girls basketball coach Thomas Sparks has resigned following his arrest on charges of third-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, and risk of injury to a child. The 37-year-old was taken into custody on Oct. 24 after a police report indicated he tripped and choked a referee during a youth basketball game at the Boys and Girls Club in Shelton. Sparks, who was coaching a team for the Connecticut Elite youth basketball league at the time, allegedly confronted the official over a disputed foul call.
Thomas Sparks resigns after arrest over disputed youth league call
Sparks formally stepped down from his position at Staples High School on Thursday, marking the immediate end of his tenure with the program. In a text message sent on Friday, the Staples High School Athletic Director confirmed the departure, stating that “Tommy resigned for personal and family considerations.” While the school’s statement offered a brief explanation, the underlying cause was the criminal charges filed by the referee, who reported the physical altercation to authorities.
Connecticut Elite officials declined to comment on the specific details of the incident but confirmed that Sparks no longer works with the organization. The arrest highlights the severe consequences of on-court misconduct, particularly in youth sports settings where officials are protected by strict safety protocols. As the investigation proceeds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the professional standards expected of coaches in both high school and youth leagues.
Source: Yahoo Sports
