A New Jersey high school wrestling champion, Anthony Knox Jr., has been reinstated and will be allowed to compete for a historic fourth straight state championship after a judge granted him relief from a controversial disqualification.
- School: St. John Vianney High School
- Decision Announced: One hour before weigh-ins for the state championship
What Led to the Disqualification?
The incident occurred last Saturday at the NJ District 25 tournament at Collingswood High School, where a brawl broke out in the stands.
Knox Jr.’s father claims:
- A spectator was cursing and yelling racial slurs at wrestlers.
- He asked the man to stop and was assaulted.
Videos captured the chaos, showing a large fight breaking out among spectators.
Knox Jr.’s Reaction:
- He ran into the stands fearing for his family’s safety.
- Both he and his father were led away in handcuffs after the altercation.
- The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) disqualified Knox Jr. from the state championship.
Judge Grants Emergency Relief
Legal Action:
- An attorney filed an injunction challenging the disqualification.
- Friday, a judge ruled in Knox Jr.’s favor, allowing him to compete in the state championship.
Legal experts argue:
- Knox Jr. was not involved in initiating violence.
- His suspension was unfair, given his concern for family safety.
