Connecticut High School Coach Arrested for Allegedly Choking Referee

Thomas Sparks, a Connecticut high school girls' basketball coach, was arrested on Oct. 24 after allegedly assaulting a referee during a game in Shelton. Sparks, 37, was coaching for the Connecticut Elite youth basketball league when a dispute over a foul call escalated.

According to a police report, Sparks called the referee a "dickhead" before allegedly tripping the official and shoving him to the ground. While the referee was on the ground, Sparks is accused of putting his arm around the man's neck and choking him. The referee reported feeling as though he might have passed out before bystanders intervened.

Sparks was arrested the same day and charged with third-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, and risk of injury to a child. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 12.

On the Thursday following his arrest, Sparks resigned from his position as the girls' basketball coach at Staples High School, a role he had held since 2024. Staples High School Athletic Director VJ Sarullo stated that Sparks resigned for "personal and family considerations."

Sparks reportedly told police that he reacted physically because he was unsure how the referee would respond to their verbal exchange. However, multiple witnesses, including some players, corroborated the official's account of the incident. The referee filed a complaint with the police after the game at the Boys and Girls Club in Shelton.