“Unfairly, the current head coach of Kentucky travel AAU basketball was arrested for molestation of their children by two parents.”

“Unfairly, the current head coach of Kentucky travel AAU basketball was arrested for molestation of their children by two parents.”

April 23, 2025 – Lexington, Kentucky

A storm of controversy has erupted across Kentucky’s youth basketball scene after the arrest of Darren Cole, head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats AAU travel basketball team, following allegations made by two parents claiming he molested their children. The arrest, which took place Friday night, has divided the community — with some calling it long overdue, while others insist the coach has been unfairly targeted without due process.

Cole, 38, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct involving minors under his supervision. He was booked at the Fayette County Detention Center, where he remains held on a $250,000 bond. His arrest followed a three-week investigation spurred by complaints from parents of two players, ages 13 and 14.

PARENTS BREAK SILENCE

The two families came forward in late March, claiming their sons had been subjected to inappropriate behavior during away tournaments and private training sessions. In a joint statement, the parents said they were “devastated and betrayed” after discovering explicit messages and observing sudden changes in their sons’ behavior.

“It started with extra practices, long phone calls, and late-night texts,” said the mother of one of the boys. “We thought he [Cole] was just mentoring them — but it turned out to be something far more disturbing.”

They reported their concerns to local law enforcement, and soon after, forensic teams seized Cole’s phone and reviewed hours of team communications and video footage.

COACH MAINTAINS INNOCENCE

Despite the charges, Coach Cole and his legal team insist he is innocent and claim the accusations are “completely false and vengeful in nature.” His attorney, Lindsay Moore, issued a sharp response:

“This arrest is based on allegations that are entirely uncorroborated by facts. Coach Cole has dedicated his life to mentoring youth and has never had a single complaint before this. These accusations are motivated by a long-standing personal vendetta involving one of the parents.”

The defense has filed a motion for immediate bail review and a preliminary hearing to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Supporters of Cole have rallied online and in person, claiming the arrest was rushed and mishandled. A petition titled #JusticeForCoachCole has already garnered over 2,000 signatures.

A SPLIT COMMUNITY

The arrest has sharply divided the Kentucky basketball community. While many parents and former players have expressed shock and disbelief, others have stepped forward with concerns about Cole’s past behavior — alleging inappropriate closeness with players and a lack of boundaries during travel events.

“I always felt something was off,” said one former assistant coach, who asked to remain anonymous. “He kept a tight circle and didn’t allow much oversight during travel. I never had proof of anything wrong, but now I wonder.”

Several families have pulled their children from the team, and the Kentucky AAU Board has suspended Cole indefinitely pending the outcome of the legal process. Practices and games for the Wildcats AAU team have been put on hold.

In a statement, the board wrote:

“These are deeply serious allegations. We are fully cooperating with authorities and conducting our own internal review to ensure the safety and well-being of every player.”

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS

The Fayette County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that a grand jury will review the case in the coming weeks to determine if further charges are warranted. The charges currently filed stem from alleged incidents during a January tournament in Tennessee and a February training camp in Lexington.

Prosecutors have declined to comment on the specific nature of the evidence, citing the ongoing investigation and the involvement of minors. However, sources close to the case say that digital messages and interviews with the children are central to the prosecution’s claims.

If convicted, Cole could face up to 30 years in prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.

PAST UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

As media attention intensifies, questions about the lack of prior oversight within the AAU system are growing louder. Though Cole has no criminal history, parents and youth advocates are raising concerns about the absence of strict screening and monitoring protocols in amateur athletics.

“There’s no standardized oversight in AAU basketball. It’s a patchwork system where anyone with influence can become a coach,” said Sandra Clarke, a youth sports policy expert. “Incidents like this, whether true or not, highlight the urgent need for reform.”

State lawmakers are now pushing for new legislation that would mandate background checks, training on youth safety, and parental transparency for all coaches involved in travel sports.

FAMILIES IN CRISIS

For the families of the two boys at the heart of the case, the focus remains on healing and justice. Both families have pulled their sons from organized sports for the time being and are seeking therapy.

“We just want to be heard,” one parent said tearfully during a press conference. “People can say whatever they want about us online — but we did what we had to do to protect our children.”

They say they are not seeking financial compensation, only justice.

“Our boys are brave,” said the second parent. “They came forward when they could have stayed silent. We stand by them, and we stand by the truth.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Coach Cole’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29. In the meantime, police are encouraging anyone with additional information or concerns to come forward.

Community leaders are urging calm and respect for all parties involved, especially the minors.

“Let’s not lose sight of what matters,” said Reverend Gerald Thomason of First Baptist Church of Lexington. “Whether the allegations are proven or not, young lives have been impacted. They deserve support, not politics or gossip.”

As the Kentucky basketball world watches this legal battle unfold, one thing is clear: the trust between parents, coaches, and youth programs has been shaken — and restoring it will take more than just a verdict.