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Anthony Knox Jr., the New Jersey state wrestling champion, and his father, Anthony Knox Sr., were punished for their roles in a fight that broke out last year at a district tournament.
Knox, who committed to wrestling at Rutgers University, and his father were initially charged with simple assault for intentionally/knowingly causing bodily injury after a fight broke out at Collingswood High School in February. 22, 2025.
They both reached a plea deal, reducing Knox Jr.’s charges to disorderly conduct, according to NJ.com. Charges against Knox Sr. were downgraded to disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
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Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney defeated Charles Gold of Manchester by technical fall in their 126-pound quarterfinal match. Opening rounds of the NJSIAA Region 7 tournament on February 28, 2025 in Lacey, NJ. (Peter Ackerman/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Additionally, the judge imposed one year’s probation on Knox Jr. If he complies with the probation, the charges will be dismissed.
Knox Sr., a former MMA fighter who told the court, “It was a really, really unfortunate incident,” must pay a $1,000 fine.
The Knoxes were arrested after the high school fight broke down last year. Knox Jr. had already won his match for St. John Vianney High School, which checked another key box en route to a fourth straight New Jersey title in his weight class.
NJ’S TOP WRESTLER ANTHONY KNOX JR CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT FOR ALLEGED VIRAL ROLE TOURNAMENT BRAWL
Videos appeared on social media showing Knox Jr. sprinting toward the stands to join the brawl.
“The defendant actually entered the opposing team’s designated section of the gymnasium bleachers during the District 25 wrestling tournament, where he then threw punches. [redacted] on the face and head repeatedly, resulting in bruising and pain in the right temple area,” court documents obtained by the New York Post state.
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 participate in the Region 7 tournament.
Knox Jr. then released a statement explaining why he joined the fight, in which he said his father had approached the opposing team to respond to the alleged insults.
Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney vs. Kurt Wehner of Donovan Catholic in the boys 120 lbs. final. Men’s wrestling finals at the NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City on March 2, 2024. (IMAGINE)
“During the finals matches, the crowd atmosphere became increasingly hostile toward me and my teammates due to our success,” reads Knox Jr.’s statement, requested of him by Bartels. “Insults were thrown at us. Apparently my father approached people throwing insults at them and asked them to stop.
“In response, I saw these people rushing forward to attack my father and he was knocked down and completely surrounded by unruly people. My immediate reaction was to run near 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, in which Knox Sr. said “racial slurs” were being called at children on the carpets below.
“[I] I saw a group of grown men yelling racist slurs at the kids I’ve coached since they were 6, insulting my son, insulting my wife,” Knox Sr. said.
Anthony Knox (SJV) p. Hunter Driller. St. John Vianney Wrestling defeats Southern Regional, 33-27, in Holmdel, NJ on January 8, 2025. (IMAGINE)
“As a man, I walked up, went into the stands and asked the guy to stop. At that point, I was attacked. I never threw a punch. I never hurt anyone. I never ran up there like a bat out of hell just to punch people. None of that happened. I was pushed down the stands. I could have been seriously injured. injured Then, I was surrounded by around ten other families.
Knox Jr. was the No. 1-ranked 126-pound wrestler in the country last season, and despite the legal issues, Rutgers was not deterred from bringing him to the program on a $200,000 annual NIL contract, according to NJ.com.
