WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A Wake Forest assistant basketball coach has resigned eight months after police said he punched a New York City tourist who later died.
[PAST COVERAGE: Wake Forest hoops coach pleads not guilty for punch that killed tourist]
Jamill Jones announced his resignation Friday, saying his decision "is in the best interest of both the team and me personally."
[Police: Girl knocked to ground after being pushed, punched by man at Asheville mall]
Jones had been on leave since Aug. 10. Police say Jones punched digital marketing guru Sandor Szabo early on Aug. 5, causing him to fall and smash his head on a sidewalk in Queens, New York.
Jones has pleaded not guilty to a charge of misdemeanor assault. His next court date is May 6.
He says resigning will eliminate a distraction from the program "while I focus all of my attention and energy on resolving my legal case."