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Anthony Knox Jr., the New Jersey state wrestling champion, and his father, Anthony Knox Sr., received punishments for their roles in a fight that broke out last year during a district tournament.
Knox, who committed to wrestling at Rutgers University, and his father were initially charged with simple assault for intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury after a fight broke out at Collingswood High School in February. 22, 2025.
The two reached a plea deal, reducing Knox Jr.’s charges to disorderly conduct, according to NJ.com. Knox Sr.’s charges were downgraded to disorderly conduct and disorderly conduct.
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St. John Vianney’s Anthony Knox defeated Manchester’s Charles Gold by technical fall in their 126-pound quarterfinal match. Opening rounds of the NJSIAA Region 7 Tournament on February 28, 2025 in Lacey, New Jersey. (Peter Ackerman/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Additionally, the judge set Knox Jr. on one year’s probation. If he complies with the probation, the charges will be dismissed.
Knox Sr., a former MMA fighter who told the court, “It was a truly unfortunate incident,” must pay a $1,000 fine.
The Knoxes were arrested after the high school fight broke up last year. Knox Jr. had already won his bout for St. John Vianney High School, checking another key box on his path to a long-awaited fourth consecutive New Jersey title in his weight class.
NJ’S BEST FIGHTER, ANTHONY KNOX JR, CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT FOR ALLEGED FIGHT AT ROLEIN VIRAL TOURNAMENT
Videos emerged on social media showing Knox Jr. running through the stands to join the fight.
“The defendant entered the opposing team’s designated section of the gym bleachers during the District 25 wrestling tournament, where he proceeded to punch [redacted] on the face and head repeatedly, resulting in bruising and pain in the right temple area,” read court documents obtained by The New York Post.
Knox Jr. was disqualified by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) from participating in the tournament until Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels granted him a temporary restraining order on his ban, allowing him to compete in the Region 7 tournament.
Knox Jr. issued a statement at the time explaining why he joined the fight, in which he said his father approached the opposing team to address alleged insults.
Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney vs. Kurt Wehner of Donovan Catholic in Boys 120 lbs. end. Men’s wrestling finals at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City on March 2, 2024. (IMAGE)
“During the final matches, the crowd atmosphere became increasingly hostile towards me and my teammates due to our success,” read Knox Jr.’s statement, which Bartels asked him about. “They hurled insults at us. Apparently my father approached the people hurling insults and asked them to stop.
“In response, I saw these people attack my father and he was knocked down and completely surrounded by unruly people. My immediate reaction was to run close to the section to assist in the protection and safety of my father and mother, who were with me. I dispute the version of events adopted by the NJSIAA.”
The Knox family also participated in an interview with ABC7, where Knox Sr. said “racial slurs” were being said toward the children on the mats below.
“[I] “I saw a group of grown men yelling racial slurs at kids I’ve been coaching since they were 6 years old, cursing at my son, cursing at my wife,” Knox Sr. said.
Anthony Knox (SJV) p. Hunter borer. St. John Vianney Wrestling defeats Southern Regional, 33-27, in Holmdel, New Jersey, on January 8, 2025. (IMAGE)
“As a man, I walked up to the stands and asked the guy to stop. At that point, I was assaulted. I never threw a punch. I never hurt anyone. I never ran over there like a bat out of hell just throwing punches at people. None of that happened. I was pushed into the stands. I could have gotten seriously hurt. Then about 10 other families surrounded me.”
Knox Jr. was the nation’s No. 1 126-pound wrestler last season, and despite legal issues, Rutgers didn’t hold back from adding him to the program on a $200,000 annual NIL contract, according to NJ.com.
