A wild story left the wrestling of the New Jersey high school during the weekend, since Anthony Knox Jr., the 126 -pound fighter number 1 in the country, was arrested after a fight that involved his father and other fans in a district tournament.
While its short -term future in sport has been affected, the long term is a different story for Knox.
Knox had already won his match in the NJ 25 District’s Wrestling Tournament in Collingswood High School, which pushed him along the way to win his fourth consecutive state title in his class of weight.
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Anthony Knox (SJV) TF. Braden Jones 3:53 (21-6) Delbton defeats San Juan Vianney 47-17 in the Semifinal Round of Asb Catholic Duals in Christian Brothers Academy on January 4, 2025. (IMAGN)
However, after the 190 pound final, a fight in the stands began, which saw Anthony Knox Mr. in the center of it. His son was seen in video images of the fight running the stands to join.
When the dust was established, both Knox Mr. and Knox Jr. were arrested, according to Jersey Sports Zone.
Since then, Knox Jr. has been disqualified to participate in the state tournament in Atlantic City, but his future at Cornell University, the school with which he promised as the next step of his wrestling career, came into doubt.
Star HS Wrestler, Dad arrested after the fight in the stands during the tournament; The athlete loses the chance of the fourth title
Mike Gray, Cornell wrestling coach, told NJ.com that he had a “hard conversation” with Knox Jr., and who will still be fighting for the university in the future.
It may not arrive next season, since the report added that Knox has argued to take a free year before registering in 2026-27.
The Interscholastic Athletic Association of the New Jersey State (NJSIAA) issued a statement about Knox, explaining its decision to disqualify it from the state tournament.
“Early, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School Administration that the wrestling of students-attachments in the 126-pounds weight class has been disqualified from the wrestling tournament NJSIAA,” said NJsiaa executive director Colleen Maguire, in a statement to Pak Gazette Digital.
“The disqualification was the result of my research on an incident that occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the district tournament organized at the CollingSwood High School. I have determined that the disqualified student-attached violated both the sports sports policy of the association as well as its disqualification rule to leave the bank area during an altercation.
Anthony Knox of San Juan Vianney controls Owen Gardner of Paul VI during the 126-pound combat of the final round of the 25th District Lucha Tournament held at CollingSwood High School on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Knox defeated Gardner 17-2. (IMAGN)
“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches of our member schools and those spectators who provided declarations and videos written to help the investigation. I would also like to thank the security of the staff of the event and the CollingSwood Police Department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without more incident.
“I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences for the student-attachment. He is a last year student, and this disqualification effectively ends his career in high school. However, my role is to maintain the integrity of the athletics of the secondary school ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and remain to the same standards of sports and safety.
“Let it be clear, the association cannot, and no, will condemn actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its rules approved by the School of Members.”
Knox Jr. also issued a statement on Instagram.
“As many of you know, I have been disqualified from my next two games due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands in CollingSwood HS long after having finished competing in the district tournament,” wrote Knox Jr. “like anyone else, my only concern at that time was to protect the safety of my family. While I respect the decision of the NJsiaa, my family and I of action in the future.
Anthony Knox (SJV) p. Hunter hunter: 21. St. John Vianney Wrestling defeats Southern Regional 33-27 in Holmdel, New Jersey, on January 8, 2025. (IMAGN)
“I am disappointed with this result, but it is still happy and grateful for the opportunities I have had. I am committed to supporting my teammates who still represent our school and the sport of wrestling with the same passion and dedication that took us here. Whatever happens later, I will continue training, compete and press myself to be the best fighter and person I can be like I continue my career at the University of Cornell.
“Thank you all for your continuous love and support. It really means the world for me. I am more motivated than ever and excited to show everyone what I already know, that I am the best there is.”
