A wild story came out of the fight of the New Jersey High School during the weekend, while Anthony Knox Jr., wrestler No. 1 of 126 pounds in the country, was detained after a fight involving his father and other fans during a district tournament.
Although its short -term future in sport has been affected, the long term is a different story for Knox.
Knox had already won his match at the NJ District 25 wrestling tournament at Collingswood High School, which pushed him on the way to win his fourth consecutive state title in his weight category.
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Anthony Knox (SJV) TF. Braden Jones 3:53 (21-6) Delbarton defeated St. John Vianney 47-17 during the semi-final of the Catholic Duels ASB at the Christian Brothers Academy on January 4, 2025. (Imagn)
However, after the 190-pound final, a fight started in the stands, which saw Anthony Knox Sr. in the center of it. Her son was seen in video sequences of the steady fight to join us.
When the dust settled, Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. were arrested, according to Jersey Sports Zone.
Knox Jr. has since been disqualified in the participation in the state tournament in Atlantic City, but his future at Cornell University, the school to which he has committed himself as the next stage of his wrestling career, was questioned.
Star HS wrestler, Dad stopped after Brawl in stands during the tournament; The athlete loses a chance in the fourth title
Mike Gray, Cornell wrestling coach, told NJ.com that he had a “difficult conversation” with Knox Jr., and that he will struggle for the university in the future.
This may not happen next season because the report added that Knox discussed taking a year of leave before registering in 2026-27.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) published a statement concerning Knox, explaining their decision to disqualify it from the state tournament.
“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 Control Owen Gardner of Paul VI during the 126-pound fight from the final tournament of the District 25 Wrestling 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 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.”
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.
Anthony Knox (SJV) p. Hunter Forger: 21. St. John Vianney Wrestling Bat Southern Regional 33-27 in Holmdel, New Jersey, January 8, 2025. (Imagn)
“I am disappointed with this result, but stay happy and grateful for the opportunities I have.
“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.”
