One of New Jersey’s top high school wrestlers, Anthony Knox Jr., has been disqualified from the NJSIAA state championships following his involvement in a brawl during the District 25 tournament at Collingswood High School.
The St. John Vianney High School senior, who was on track to win his fourth consecutive state title before heading to Cornell University, now faces an uncertain future in the tournament.
What Led to the Disqualification?
During the NJ District 25 tournament on Saturday, a fight broke out in the stands, involving Knox Jr. and his father, Anthony Knox Sr.
Knox Sr. described the scene:
- He witnessed grown men yelling racial slurs at young wrestlers he had trained since childhood.
- His wife and son were also cursed at.
- He walked up into the stands and asked them to stop, but was then pushed down the bleachers and surrounded by multiple families.
Knox Jr. stepped in to defend his father, saying:
“Protecting my family is the No. 1 thing to me. If I had to choose between protecting my family or never wrestling again, I would choose protecting my family every single time.”
The Aftermath: Disqualification & Legal Action
Despite multiple people being involved, only Knox Jr. and his father were led away in handcuffs.
The NJSIAA swiftly ruled Knox Jr. ineligible for the state championships.
NJSIAA Executive Director’s Statement:
“My role is to uphold the integrity of high school athletics by ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and are held to the same standards of sportsmanship and safety.”
St. John Vianney High School responded:
- The school respects the NJSIAA decision but does not condone violence.
- It emphasized that this incident does not reflect the values of the school or its wrestling program.
Questions Over Fairness: Did West Deptford Benefit?
Knox Sr. pointed out that the instigators were from West Deptford.
With Knox Jr. disqualified, a West Deptford wrestler could now advance in the tournament.
Legal Action Pending:
- Knox Jr.’s attorney is filing an injunction to allow him to compete until a full hearing takes place.
- The outcome could determine whether Knox Jr. will wrestle in the state championships or fight this battle in court.
