A Connecticut girls’ basketball coach has been arrested after allegedly hitting a parent with his car during a postgame dispute. The incident, which occurred at Horace Porter School in Columbia on January 9, has raised alarms about safety and accountability in youth sports.
The coach, identified as 29-year-old Bryan Baez-Rivera, was leading a visiting Windham team when a misunderstanding between players during the postgame handshake led to a heated argument with a parent. The confrontation escalated in the school’s parking lot, resulting in Baez-Rivera allegedly driving his car into the individual.
Surveillance video shows Baez-Rivera’s vehicle accelerating and striking the parent, who was thrown onto the hood before falling to the ground. Witnesses reported that a child rushed to assist the injured person while others attempted to pursue Baez-Rivera’s vehicle.
Baez-Rivera later contacted authorities, stating he fled the scene because he feared for his safety after being chased by multiple individuals. He claimed the victim stepped into his path, leaving him unable to avoid the collision. However, police reviewed the surveillance footage and concluded that Baez-Rivera made no attempt to steer away from the individual.
He was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace and two counts of risk of injury to a minor. Baez-Rivera was released on a $5,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on January 23. Additionally, the Department of Children and Families is reviewing the case.
Further reports revealed Baez-Rivera has a felony criminal record, raising questions about how he was approved to coach youth basketball. Local officials have yet to clarify whether proper background checks were performed prior to his appointment.
This incident has reignited concerns about the need for stricter oversight in youth sports and the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children and families.
