North Carolina

Wake Forest assistant basketball coach charged in punching death resigns

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."

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.

[Police: Girl knocked to ground after being pushed, punched by man at Asheville mall]

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."