A Connecticut girls high school basketball coach has been arrested for allegedly tripping and choking a referee during a youth league game last week.
Thomas Sparks, the 37-year-old coach at Staples High School, resigned after he was caught calling a referee an “idiot” and then choking the referee during a game last week, the CT Post reported.
Sparks was coaching a team in the Connecticut Elite Youth Basketball League in Shelton on Oct. 24 when he allegedly got into a fight with a referee over what he believed was a serious foul, local media reported, citing police reports.
The pair got into a heated argument before things turned physical.
Sparks allegedly tripped and pushed the referee to the ground.
Before the referee could stand up, Sparks allegedly put his arms around his neck.
People in the crowd quickly intervened and Sparks was ejected from the building.
The referee then went to the police station to report the incident.
The outlet, citing police reports, said Sparks told investigators he got into the physical altercation because he didn’t know how the referee would react after their heated verbal exchange.
Police said witnesses at the game – including some players – supported the referee’s version of events.
Sparks was arrested that day and charged with assault, strangulation and endangerment of a child, local media reported.
Sparks resigned as Westport High School coach on Thursday, days after he was arrested by police.
“Tommy is resigning due to personal and family considerations,” Staples High School athletic director confirmed to the CT Post.
Officials with the organization told the outlet that Sparks also no longer works for Connecticut Elite but declined further comment.
He was released on $10,000 bail and is expected to return to court on Nov. 12.
The Post contacted the Shelton Police Department, the Stambaugh High School athletic department and Connecticut Elite.