Coach Arrested After Referee Assault at Youth Basketball Game

Thomas Sparks, 37, was coaching a Connecticut Elite youth basketball team in Shelton on October 24 when he disputed a foul call with the referee. The argument became physical, police said: Sparks allegedly tripped and pushed the official to the floor, then put an arm around his neck while he was still down.

The referee told police he feared he might lose consciousness. Spectators intervened, and Sparks was removed from the venue. The referee later went to a police station to file a complaint. Witnesses, including players, supported the official’s account, police said.

Sparks told investigators he acted physically because he was uncertain how the referee would respond after their argument. He was arrested on October 24 and faced allegations of assault in the third degree, strangulation in the second degree, and endangering a child. He was released on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on November 12.

Five days after the arrest, Sparks resigned as head coach of the Staples High School girls’ basketball team, a position he had held since 2024. The school’s athletic director said Sparks left for “personal and family considerations.” Connecticut Elite officials said he no longer works for the organization.