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Former Westport coach faces court for allegedly choking youth referee

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 12, 2026, 10:00 AM

Last updated Nov 12, 2026

Former Westport coach faces court for allegedly choking youth referee
Summary

Thomas Sparks, a former Westport high school girls basketball coach, faces court in Derby today after being charged with choking a youth basketball referee. The incident occurred during a youth game in Shelton on October 24, where Sparks allegedly confronted the referee over a foul call. Reports indicate that Sparks shoved the referee to the ground and put his arm around the man's neck before being ejected. Sparks resigned from his coaching position shortly after the incident. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday.

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Status Watch
  • •Sparks was arrested on October 24 after the incident.
  • •He faces charges of third-degree assault and second-degree strangulation.
  • •Sparks was ejected from the game after the confrontation.
  • •Witnesses confirmed the referee's account of the events.
  • •He resigned from coaching shortly after being charged.
Latest Updates
  • 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Former Westport girls basketball coach faces judge after allegedly choking a youth referee
What they're saying
"

Thomas Sparks is accused of shoving and choking a referee at a youth basketball game.

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