College hoops coach accused of throwing fatal punch in LIC resigns

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Former Wake Forest assistant coach Jamill Jones, second from left, with the team and head coach Danny Manning, second from right, during the second half of an NCAA basketball game. Prosecutors says Jones threw a punch that killed a tourist in Long I…

Former Wake Forest assistant coach Jamill Jones, second from left, with the team and head coach Danny Manning, second from right, during the second half of an NCAA basketball game. Prosecutors says Jones threw a punch that killed a tourist in Long Island City. AP Photo by Chuck Burton.

By David Brand

The Wake Forest assistant basketball coach accused of throwing a punch that killed a tourist in Long Island City last summer has officially resigned from the team.

Jamill Jones, an assistant coach at Wake Forest, stepped down April 12, eight months after prosecutors say he slugged a Florida man, causing the man to fall and smash his head on the pavement in LIC. The victim, Sandor Szabo, died from the head injuries he sustained.

Szabo, 35, was visiting LIC for his sister’s wedding. He was reportedly drunk and knocking on car windows when he tried to enter Jones’ car, mistaking it for his Uber, on Aug. 5, 2018.

Jones, 36, turned himself into police on Aug. 9, 2018. He was charged him with misdemeanor assault and released on his own recognizance.

Jones will return to Queens Criminal Court on May 6. He is represented by defense attorney Alain Massena, who did not immediately respond to request for comment Tuesday.

Wake Forest put Jones on leave following his arrest. He said his resignation would limit distractions to the Wake Forest team “while I focus all of my attention and energy on resolving my legal case," the Associated Press reported.

Jones joined the Wake Forest coaching staff in 2017 after stints with Central Florida, Virginia Commonwealth and Florida Gulf Coast. The Atlantic Coast Conference team, known as the Demon Deacons, has featured stars like Tim Duncan and Chris Paul.

“This decision is in the best interest for both our program and Jamill,” said Wake Forest’s Head Coach Danny Manning in a statement. “I appreciate everyone on our staff who took on extra responsibilities during Jamill’s leave and we are committed to finding a great addition to complete our coaching staff.”