Closing arguments are on the horizon in the trial of a former Rhode Island high school basketball coach accused of criminal misconduct. Prosecutors allege Aaron Thomas, who spent decades coaching at North Kingstown High School, repeatedly instructed male student-athletes to disrobe for body fat assessments conducted personally by him. Thomas, 57, faces charges of second-degree child molestation and second-degree sexual assault, and he has pleaded not guilty.
The proceedings, which began last month, have seen ten students testify against Thomas. Some accounts have been tearful, recounting feelings of humiliation while standing unclothed before their coach, who used a caliper to assess their body fat. A particular incident alleged that Thomas appeared visibly aroused during one of these examinations.
At the heart of the allegations is a question Thomas reportedly asked his athletes: “Are you shy or not shy?” Students who answered “not shy” were instructed to undress fully, allowing Thomas to measure various parts of their body, including near intimate areas.
In his testimony, Thomas claimed to have worked with over 600 student-athletes over his career, with around 80% complying by removing their underwear, despite acknowledging its non-necessity. Four students spoke in favor of the practice, attributing their improved athletic performance to these assessments.
As testimony concluded, Thomas took the stand and expressed regret. During the trial, he admitted to deceiving law enforcement initially, when asked if the students were nude. “I’m truly sorry that it occurred the way it occurred,” Thomas stated. “It was never my intent to hurt, pain, embarrass, or cause discomfort. It was just for competitive advantage.” He termed the practice “foolish” and admitted to recognizing how it could be perceived negatively.
The investigation into Thomas began in late 2021 and involved more than 30 former students, as well as teachers, coaches, administrators, and health professionals. Despite the wide scope of these examinations, charges have been filed concerning only two of the students. Notably, one of the cases involves a student who was under 14 years old during the alleged misconduct, said to have occurred between September 2000 and February 2002.