Disqualified Wrestler, Family Sue To Get Him Back In State Tourney: Report

HOLMDEL, NJ — The family of Anthony Knox, a disqualified state wrestling champion from Saint John Vianney High School, has filed a lawsuit aimed at allowing Knox to continue competing in the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Assocation's (NJSIAA) wrestling tournament, according to a report from the Asbury Park Press.

Knox, who is a three-time state wrestling champion, was disqualified from the state tournament after a fight broke out during a recent wrestling match in South Jersey. The fight occurred at Collingswood High School, with spectators and wrestlers, including Knox, reportedly involved.

According to the report, the lawsuit asks that a judge prevent the NJSIAA from suspending and/or disqualifying Knox from the rest of the tournament.

Court documents go on to claim that the evidence NJSIAA Executive Director Collen Maguire examined wasn’t provided to Knox’s attorneys for review, and argues that Maguire overstepped her authority, the report said. Patch has reached out to Knox’s attorneys for more information.

After the NJSIAA’s investigation into the incident concluded, Maguire issued a statement on the disqualification, and cited violations of the association’s sportsmanship policy and rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.

“I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career,” Maguire said. “However, 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.”

In a statement sent to Patch, Saint John Vianney High School said they respect the NJSIAA’s decision and that the school will “fully abide by the repercussions and recommendations set forth by the NJSIAA.”

"Saint John Vianney High School believes in the fundamental values of sportsmanship, respect, and community and is disheartened to see an event intended to celebrate student-athletes overshadowed by conflict," the statement said. "This event, which escalated through the emotional feelings of adults, unfortunately, has resulted in impacting young athletes the most and that is very disheartening."

In a statement posted on his Instagram, Knox also addressed the disqualification, saying that his only concern at the time was protecting the safety of his family.

“As many of you know, I have been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I had finished competing at the district tournament,” Knox said. “Like anyone, my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family. While I respect the NJSIAA’s decision, my family and I are currently reviewing our options to determine the best course of action moving forward.”

To read the full report from the Asbury Park Press, you can click here.

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