Anthony Knox Jr., three times champion of the state struggle of New Jersey High School from Saint John Vianney in Holmdel, was disqualified for the competition for his fourth consecutive state title after being involved in a fight that ended with him and his father arrested.
The incident occurred at the NJ District 25 wrestling tournament at Collingswood High School, according to NJ.com, and Knox is accused of sprinter in the stands where a fight started between his father, Anthony Knox Sr., and fans who look at the tournament.
Videos appearing online showed that the fight collapses and getting a path in the stands.
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Anthony Knox of Saint John Vianney Control Owen Gardner of Paul VI during the 126-pound fight in the final round of the district tournament 25 at the Collingswood High School on Saturday February 22, 2025. Knox defeated Gardner 17-2. (Imagn)
When the dust settled, Jersey Sports Zone reported that Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. were detained by the police after the fight, which occurred after the 190 pound final. This came after Knox had won his last district title of 126 pounds.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) published a statement on the issue after examining several video angles in the fight, during which Knox Jr. ran from the Gymnasium soil in the stands to join the fight.
Knox Jr., a Commit Cornell, is the wrestler of 126 best classified in the United States with a career record of 136-1 and 123 consecutive victories, including his district title.
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But he will have no chance of a fourth consecutive state title, because he is prevented from participating in the State Championships of Atlantic City.
“Earlier in the day, I informed the administration of Saint John Vianney High School that the student-athlete struggle in the weight category of 126 pounds was disqualified by the NJSIAA state of struggle,” said NJSIAA executive director Colleen Maguire, in a statement to PK Press Club Digital.
“Disqualification is the result of my investigation into an incident on Saturday February 22, 2025, during the district tournament organized at Collingswood High School. I determined that the disqualified student-athlete violated both the policy of the association’s sporting spirit and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney against Kurt Wehner by Donovan Catholic in the 120 -pound boys’ fight for the NJSIAA state control championships in Atlantic City on March 2, 2024 (Imagn)
“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches of our member schools and the spectators who have provided declarations and written videos to help the survey. I would also like to thank the safety of the staff of the event and the Collingswood police service for their effective treatment of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without more incident.
“I have not made this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences of the student-athlete. He is a senior, and this disqualification actually puts an end to his career in high school. However, my role is to maintain the integrity of secondary athletics by ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and are held to the same sports and security standards.
“It is clear, the association cannot, and will not tolerate actions which violate its policy of the sporting spirit or its rules approved by the school.”
Following disqualification, the weight category of 126 pounds was resettled in the state tournament.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney Wrestles Hunter Borers by Southern Regional Holmdel, NJ, January 8, 2025. (Imagn)
Knox Jr. also published a statement on Instagram.
“As many of you know, I have been disqualified by my next two games because of an unhappy incident that occurred in the Collingswood HS stands after having finished participating in the district tournament,” said Knox Jr. “As anyone, my only concern at that time was to protect the security of my family. Although I respect the NJSIAA decision, my family and I are currently examining our options to determine the best action plan in the future.
“I am disappointed with this result, but stay happy and grateful for the opportunities I have.
Anthony Knox by St. John Vianney Fight against Braden Jones of Delbarton January 4, 2025 (IMGN)
“Thank you all for your love and continuous support. It really means the world for me. I am more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know, that I am the best there is.”
We do not know if the status of Knox Jr. with Cornell University has been affected.
