Staples High School Basketball Coach Resigns After Arrest: Report

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School's girls basketball coach resigned last month after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a referee during a non-school-related game, CT Insider reported.

Thomas Sparks, 37, is accused of tripping and then choking a referee during a Connecticut Elite youth basketball league game at the Shelton Boys and Girls Club. Sparks reportedly complained about a call the ref made before the alleged assault.

Sparks was arrested on Oct. 24, after the ref filed a complaint with Shelton police. Authorities reportedly charged Sparks with second-degree strangulation and risk of injury to a child, both felonies, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

A few days after the arrest, Sparks reportedly resigned from the Staples job. Patch reached out to Westport Public Schools for comment, but did not receive a reply.

Additionally, Patch reached out to the Law Office of Larracuente & Goulden, the Milford-based firm listed as representing Sparks, for comment, but did not receive a reply.

Sparks was released after posting bond on bail of $10,000, and is scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on Nov. 12.

Read the CT Insider story.