Top-ranked New Jersey high school wrestler Anthony Knox Jr. is facing a simple assault charge following an altercation at a wrestling tournament last month. The incident, which occurred at Collingswood High School, involved a brawl in the bleachers and led to the detainment of Knox Jr. and his father, Anthony Knox Sr.
Video footage and court documents indicate Knox Jr. ran into the stands and allegedly punched another individual multiple times, resulting in injuries. The altercation took place after Knox Jr. had already won his match for St. John Vianney High School, where he's on track to potentially secure a fourth consecutive state title in his weight class.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) initially disqualified Knox Jr. from the tournament. However, a judge granted a temporary restraining order against the ban, allowing him to compete in the Region 7 tournament, which he subsequently won.
Knox Jr. released a statement claiming he joined the altercation to defend his father, who he says was being assaulted after confronting individuals who were allegedly directing insults towards him and his teammates. He disputes the NJSIAA’s account of the events. The Knox family also alleges racial slurs were directed at young wrestlers during the tournament.
Knox Sr., a former MMA fighter, corroborated his son's account, stating he was assaulted after asking spectators to cease their verbal attacks. He denies initiating any physical violence.
The NJSIAA has expressed strong disagreement with the court's decision to reinstate Knox Jr. and plans to appeal. Despite the incident, Knox Jr.’s college wrestling career at Cornell University remains unaffected, according to his future coach.
Knox Jr.'s recent regional title win keeps him on course to potentially become only the fifth wrestler in state history to achieve four consecutive New Jersey state titles.
