Naked 'Fat Tests' Were Legal Says Ex-N. Kingstown Coach's Lawyer

North Kingstown RI

11 November, 2021

1:12 PM

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NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — An attorney representing an ex-high school basketball coach accused of ordering his former students to strip naked behind closed doors for "fat tests" argued the tests were voluntary and done with parental consent. According to WPRI 12, which first reported this story, North Kingstown Superintendent Phil Auger kept Aaron Thomas on as a coach for more than two years after some students came forward. In February, more former students came forward, and Thomas was placed on administrative leave. He then resigned ahead of a planned termination in June. Attorney John MacDonald did not deny the naked "fat tests" happened. But according to MacDonald, nothing illegal took place. "The testing program was solely designed to help student-athletes improve their performance," MacDonald told WPRI. "This was a completely voluntary activity, and students could enter or leave the program at will. Parental consent forms were utilized. Aaron Thomas spent countless hours collecting and inputting the composition data to assist hundreds of student athletes in reaching their goals." But at least two parents denied ever receiving consent forms from Thomas, the television station reported. Following the allegations, Attorney General Peter Neronha and the North Kingstown School Committee both opened investigations into the Thomas and how the incident was handled by school officials. Auger knew Thomas made students feel uncomfortable, but were not made aware he instructed students to get naked, according to a statement released by the school committee after a six-hour-long executive session Saturday. Town Council President Greg Manchini said Monday he hopes the North Kingstown Town Council will hire an independent investigator to review the findings of the two investigations.