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Sport: BasketballCategory: Injuries

Staples girls basketball coach arrested for choking referee during game

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 8:40 PM

Last updated Oct 30, 2026

Staples girls basketball coach arrested for choking referee during game
Summary

Thomas Sparks, the Staples High School girls basketball coach, was arrested on October 24, 2026, after allegedly choking a referee during a youth game in Shelton, Connecticut. Sparks is accused of tripping the referee and putting him in a chokehold following a disputed foul call. The incident occurred while Sparks was coaching for the Connecticut Elite youth basketball league. After the confrontation, he was ejected from the venue. Sparks later resigned from his coaching position, citing personal reasons. He faces charges including third-degree assault and will appear in court on November 12.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Thomas Sparks arrested on October 24, 2026.
  • •Sparks accused of choking a referee during a youth game.
  • •He resigned from his coaching position afterward.
  • •Sparks charged with third-degree assault and strangulation.
  • •Court appearance scheduled for November 12.
Latest Updates
  • 8:40 PMYahoo Sports — Staples girls basketball coach arrested after police say he choked referee during game over foul call
What they're saying
"

The coach has resigned after police say he tripped and choked a referee over a foul call during a youth game last week in Shelton.

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