North Kingstown Officials Consider Investigating Coach's 'Naked Fat Tests' Allegations

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Town Council President Greg Manchini said Monday he hopes the North Kingstown Town Council will hire an independent investigator to examine allegations against the high school's former basketball coach, who former students say instructed student-athletes to strip naked behind closed doors for "fat tests."

According to WPRI 12, which first reported this story, Superintendent Phil Auger kept Aaron Thomas on as a coach for more than two years after some students came forward. In February, more former students came forward, and Thomas was placed on administrative leave. He then resigned ahead of a planned termination in June.

Auger knew Thomas made students feel uncomfortable, but were not made aware he instructed students to get naked, according to a statement released by the school committee after a six-hour-long executive session Saturday. The school committee also said its reopening its investigation into the allegations. Several former students have since told WPRI they told Auger about the naked "fat tests."

"We've heard some very disturbing allegations," Manchini said at Monday's school committee meeting. "I want to first commend the very brave North Kingstown alumni for coming forward regarding what happened to them at our high school. I hope all alumni who were affected come forward and let them know what we can do to support them."

Manchini said he believes students are currently in a safe environment, but the behavior alleged is "completely unacceptable," He wants an independent investigator to review Attorney General Peter Neronha and the school committee's investigations upon their completion.

"I've coached in youth sports, many of the kids who were adversely affected," Manchini said. "I'm heartbroken at the allegations that have been made."

Parents and residents who attended the meeting also voiced outrage over the accusations. All who spoke agreed the school committee shouldn't be handling the investigation. Some called for Auger to be placed on leave pending the results of an independent investigation.

"I am greatly distressed about the situation going on with our school department and school committee," resident Richard Welch said. "We have youngsters to take into consideration, and they need to be protected first and foremost."

"I was absolutely appalled that the school committee spent six hours behind closed doors on Saturday while we stood in the parking lot," parent Kim Lanowy said. "I do not think that the school committee should be in charge of investigating the school committee, because there is some fault there as well."