Anthony Knox Jr., three-time New Jersey High School wrestling champion of Holmdel's St. John Vianney, was disqualified from competing for his fourth consecutive state title after being involved in a brawl that he and his father arrested.
According to NJ.com, the incident occurred at the New Jersey District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School, where Knox is accused of sprinting into the stands where a brawl began between her father, Anthony Knox Sr. and fans watching the tournament.
Videos appearing online show the battle breaks out and heads down the bleachers.
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Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney will control Paul VI's Owen Gardner in a 126-pound match in the final round of the District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Knox defeated Gardner 17-2. (image)
As the dust settled, the Jersey Sports Zone reported that both Knox Senior and Knox Junior were taken into custody by police after the brawl that occurred after the 190-pound final. This comes after Knox won his latest 126-pound district title.
The New Jersey State Inter-University Athletic Association (NJSIAA) issued a statement on the issue after reviewing multiple Brawl video angle, Meanwhile, Knox Jr. ran from the gym floor to the bleachers and took part in the battle.
Cornell Commit Knox Jr. is a top-ranked 126-pound wrestler in the US, with 123 consecutive victories, including a career 136-1 record and his district title.
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However, he is banned from participating in the state championships in Atlantic City, so he is unable to get a chance with his fourth consecutive state title.
“Today, I told the administrators at St. John Vianney High School that a 126-pound weight class student-athlete wrestling has been disqualified from the NJSIAA Wrestling State Tournament,” Colleen Maguire, executive director of the NJSIAA, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“The disqualification was the result of my investigation into an incident that occurred at a district tournament held at Collingswood High School on Saturday, February 22, 2025. I have determined that the disqualified student-athletes have violated both the association's sportsmanship policy and the disqualification rules for leaving the bench area during rast humiliation.
Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney against Donovan Catholic Kurtwener at the 120-pound boys' wrestling final at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championship in Atlantic City on March 2, 2024 (image)
“We would like to thank the member school administrators and coaches for providing written statements and videos to assist with the investigation, as well as the audience for providing written statements and videos, and we would also like to thank the event staff security and Collingswood Police Department for efficient handling of this incident.
“I did not lighten this decision. I am fully aware of the consequences for student-athletes. He is an elderly person and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career. But my role is to maintain the integrity of high school track and field by ensuring that all participants follow the same rules and are held to the same standards of sportsmanship and safety.
“Let's make that clear. The association cannot tolerate any behavior that violates the Sportsmanship Policy or its members' school approval rules.”
As a result of the disqualification, the 126 pound weight class has been re-employed for the state tournament.
Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney is struggling with a hunter bowler from Holmdel, Southern, New Jersey on January 8, 2025. (image)
Knox Jr. also issued a statement On Instagram.
“As many know, after finishing the competition in the district tournament, I was disqualified from the next two games due to the unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands of Collingswood HS,” writes Knox Jr. “Like everyone else, my only concern at the time was to protect the safety of my family. While I respect the NJSIAA decision, my family and I are now reviewing the options to determine the best course of action that will move forward.
“I am disappointed with this outcome, but I am still happy and grateful for the opportunities I have had. I am committed to supporting our school and the sports of wrestling. No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete and become the best wrestler.
Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney is wrestling with Braden Jones of Delburton on January 4, 2025 (IMGN)
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“I appreciate your continued love and support. It really means the world to me. I'm more motivated than ever and I'm excited to prove to everyone that I already know.
It is unclear whether Knox Jr.'s position with Cornell University has been affected.
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