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Wake Forest University Puts Coach On Leave After Fatal Assault

In this Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, photo, Jamill Jones, left, appears in Queens Criminal Court in New York. The parents of a Florida man who died after he was punched by Jones, an assistant basketball coach at Wake Forest University, said Friday they don't accept the coach's condolences. (Barry Williams/Dailymail.com via AP, Pool)

Wake Forest University announced this afternoon that it's putting assistant men's basketball coach Jamill Jones on leave.

Athletic director Ron Wellman said in a statement that he spoke with Jones on Friday, and the coach agreed with the decision.

In a statement, Wake Forest University has offered its condolences to the family of Sandor Szabo.

The move comes after police say Szabo banged on Jones' SUV window early Sunday, apparently thinking the vehicle was his Uber ride, after attending his stepsister's wedding.

Authorities say Jones got out, punched Szabo and sped off. Szabo fell and hit his head, never regained consciousness and was taken off life support Tuesday.

Jones turned himself in to police Thursday and was arraigned on a misdemeanor assault charge. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 2.

The city medical examiner's office ruled Szabo's death a homicide caused by blunt impact to his head.

Earlier Friday, the parents of Sandor Szabo said they don't accept the coach's condolences.

Bob and Donna Kent told NBC's "Today" show that the coach, Jamill Jones, should have tried to save their son Sandor Szabo's life after punching him.

Jones' lawyer called Szabo's death "a tragic accident."

Donna Kent says Jones' condolences are "are a little bit too late."

 

 

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