Ex-Wake Forest basketball coach sued in Queens after fatal punch conviction

This Nov. 28, 2017 file photo shows former Wake Forest assistant coach Jamill Jones, center, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Winston-Salem, N.C. On July 23, Jones was sentenced to three years of probation, community service and a fine for fatally punching a man in Long Island City who pounded on his car's window in August 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

By David Brand

A Florida woman has sued the ex-Wake Forest basketball coach who threw a fatal punch that resulted in her son’s death in 2018, seeking compensation through a wrongful death action filed in Queens Supreme Court Tuesday.

Donna Kent’s son Sandor Szabo died after being punched by ex-Wake Forest assistant coach Jamill Jones on a Long Island City street early in the morning of August 5, 2018. Szabo, 35, was visiting Queens for his sister’s wedding, where he got drunk and attempted to walk to his hotel. 

Along the way, Szabo encountered Jones driving through Long Island City and gestured, yelled and banged on Jones’ car, according to court testimony. Jones got out of his vehicle and punched Szabo, twisting his neck and knocking him to the ground, where he fractured his skull. Szabo died hours later in the hospital. 

Jones was convicted at jury trial of third-degree assault and sentenced to three years probation and community service in July.

Kent’s wrongful death action, filed nearly two years to the day since her son’s death, seeks significant damages. Attorney John Pierce said Kent is seeking “a lot” of money, but he did not provide a specific amount.

“A civil action is now the only means to obtain justice for Mr. Szabo and his family who have suffered tremendously with his death,” said Pierce, a partner at the firm Pierce Bainbridge PC.

The complaint filed Tuesday claims Jones acted with “wanton and malicious” intent to injure Szabo. 

“Without warning or provocation, Coach Jones (220 lbs) planted his feet, cocked back his right fist and struck Mr. Szabo (183 lbs) in the face with full force,” the complaint states. 

“Coach Jones' assault was egregious and wrongful. It occurred without provocation and left Mr. Szabo unconscious, bleeding profusely, and choking on his own blood,” the lawsuit continues.

The complaint also names Wake Forest University, alleging that Jones was visiting New York City as part of a recruiting trip in his role as assistant coach at the Atlantic Coast Conference basketball powerhouse. Wake Forest did not respond to a request for comment. 

Jones did not immediately provide a response.