NJ Wrestler's Brawl Suspension Overturned, Report Says

HOLMDEL, NJ — The three-time state wrestling champion from Saint John Vianney High School will be allowed to compete again after a state judge placed a temporary hold on his suspension from the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (NJSIAA) wrestling tournament, according to a report from the Asbury Park Press.

The decision came Friday after NJ Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels issued a temporary restraining order that would allow Knox to compete in the NJSIAA’s Region 7 tournament, the report said.

The decision puts a hold on NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire’s previous ruling, which disqualified Knox from competing.

“The Plaintiff’s order to show cause is granted,” Bartel’s decision said, according to the report. “Plaintiff, Anthony Knox Jr., may compete for St. John Vianney High School as a member of the wrestling team at the NJSIAA Region 7 Wrestling Tournament and, if he prevails, the NJSIAA Wrestling State Championships, until further order of the court.”

News of Knox’s disqualification came after a fight broke out at a recent wrestling match in South Jersey. The fight occurred at Collingswood High School, with spectators and wrestlers, including Knox, reportedly involved.

Following the incident, Maguire issued a statement from the NJSIAA, which cited violations of the association’s sportsmanship policy and rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation as reasons for the disqualification.

“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.”

After Knox was disqualified, his family filed a lawsuit aimed at allowing Knox to continue competing. Now that his suspension has been overturned, he will be allowed to compete in the NJSIAA’s Region 7 tournament, which is set to take place this weekend.

“Thank you all for your continued love and support. It truly means the world to me,” Knox posted on his Instagram following his disqualification from the tournament. “I’m more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know, that I’m the best there is.”

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

Related

• Disqualified Wrestler, Family Sue To Get Him Back In State Tourney: Report
• NJ High School Wrestling Star Disqualified From State Tournament Following Fight At Match
• NJ Wrestling Tourney Brawl Leads To 2 Arrests: Report