Tiffany Kinion accused the Torrington Police Activities League’s basketball referee of racist behavior targeting players and visitors based on their skin color.
During a match between Waterbury and Wolcott, the referee called 40+ fouls on Waterbury compared to only 10 fouls on Wolcott.
The Torrington Police Activities League works for a better life for children, promoting character development and self-esteem. It builds positive relationships among children, police officers, and the community.
Their program works in partnership with the Torrington Police Department, which provides children with alternatives to crime, violence, and substance abuse.
The police department began winning local support for its constructive efforts for the city’s athletes and formed a Police Athletic League, better known as PAL.
Mayor Michael Conway and the Board of Public Safety permitted PAL to conduct fundraising activities that will benefit sports programs for the city’s youth.
Police Officer Donald Newkirk expressed that they intend to support local Sports programs for young basketball, Little League, and midget football with the fundraising.
Moreover, PAL hopes to expand its financial support to include an athletic scholarship for a deserving high school athlete.
Looking forward to some strong support and participation from members of the Board of Public Safety. A combined effort from all involved will surely beneficial to the young athletes of Torrington, and surely strengthen public relations for the Torrington Police Department.
Donald Newkirk
Torrington PAL Basketball Referees Accused of Racist Behavior
A recent Facebook post by Tiffany Kinion has sparked outrage after she accused referees at the Torrington Police Activities League (PAL) of exhibiting racist behavior during a youth basketball game.
Her post detailed disturbing incidents, including alleged targeting of players and spectators based on skin color, as well as excessively lopsided foul calls favoring one team over another.
Kinion described how adult referees and staff allegedly singled out visitors, particularly those from Waterbury, for harsh treatment.
They yelled at children and women for walking on the court with outdoor shoes while ignoring others from Wolcott who did the same.
She also claimed that a young brown player from Torrington’s own PAL team was verbally attacked for a similar minor infraction.
The most glaring issue, according to Kinion, was the foul disparity. Over 40 fouls were called against Waterbury compared to just about 10 against Wolcott.
She emphasized that her post was not about basketball but about basic human decency.
The world has enough challenges – a 12u summer league should not be where our kids have to be reminded that racism still runs deep through the hearts of so many ignorant people.
Tiffany Kinion
The post quickly drew reactions from netizens, many of whom expressed sympathy for the Waterbury children who had to endure such treatment.
Comments reflected frustration over the alleged bias and called for accountability from Torrington PAL.
As of now, Torrington PAL has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, the incident raises serious concerns about fairness and inclusivity in youth sports.
Parents and advocates are demanding an investigation to ensure that all players are treated with respect, regardless of their background.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Torrington Police Activities League is located at Torrington Office Plaza, Torrington, CT, United States, 06790.
- They have served over 800 children aged 5-18 in the Northwest corner of Connecticut.
- Torrington Savings Bank has sponsored its 18th annual free back-to-school supply event on August 16, at COE Park, Torrington.
