Anthony Knox Jr., a three-time New Jersey High School State Wrestling Champion out of Saint John Vianney in Holmdel, was disqualified from competing for his fourth equal state title after being involved in a fight that ended with him and his father arrested.
The incident happened at the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School, according to NJ.com, and Knox is accused of sprinting in the stands where a fight began between his father, Anthony Knox Sr., and fans who saw the tournament.
Videos that appear online showed that the fight broke out and worked its way down the bleaching machines.
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Saint John Vianney’s Anthony Knox controls Paul View Owen Gardner under the 126 pound bout of the final round of District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School on Saturday 22 February 2025. Knox defeated Gardner 17-2. (IMagn)
When the dust settled, Jersey Sports Zone reported that both Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. was detained by police after Brawl, which took place after the 190 pound final. This came after Knox had won its latest district title of 126 pounds.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) released a statement of the case after reviewing several video links from Brawl, where Knox Jr. Run from the gym into the bleaching machines to take part in the match.
Knox Jr., a Cornell Commit, is the top-ranked 126 pound wrestler in the US with a career 136-1 record and 123 straight wins, including his district title.
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But he does not get a chance for a fourth straight state title because he is prevented from participating in the State Championships in Atlantic City.
“Earlier today, I informed Saint John Vianney High School Administration that the student-athlete-wrestling in the 126-pound weight class has been disqualified from NJSIAA WRESTLING STATE TORNNENT,” NJSIA’s CEO Colleen Maguire said in a statement to Pakinomist Digital.
“The disqualification was the result of my investigation of an incident that took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the district tournament, which hosted the Collingswood High School. I have decided that the disqualified student athlete violated both the association’s sports development policy and its disqualification rule to leave the bench area during an altarcation.
Anthony Knox from St. John Vianney against Kurt Wehner of Donovan Catholic in the 120 -pound boys who wrestling finale at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City March 2, 2024 (IMagn)
“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches from our member schools and the spectators who provided written statements and videos to help the investigation. I would also like to thank the security staff’s security and Collingswood Police Department for their effective handling of this incident, which enabled the tournament to be completed without further event.
“I did not make this decision easily. I am fully aware of the consequences for the student athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career. However, my role is to maintain the integrity of high school letness by ensuring that all participants comply with the same rules and are kept to the same standards of sporting and security.
“Let it be clear, the association cannot and will not condolate actions that violate its sporting policy or its membership school -approved rules.”
As a result of the disqualification, the weight class of 126 pounds has been reinstated for the state tournament.
Anthony Knox from St. John Vianney Wrestles Hunter drills from southern regional Holmdel, NJ, January 8, 2025. (IMagn)
Knox Jr. also released a statement on Instagram.
“Like many of you know, I’ve been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that took place in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I finished competing in the district tournament,” Knox Jr. “Wrote as anyone, my only concern was at the time protecting my family’s safety. While I respect NJSIA’s decision, my family and at the moment I go through our family and at the moment to determine the best of our best to determine the best of the best to determine the best of our best to determine the best of our best to determine our best to our family and our family and at the moment to determine the best of our best to determine the best of our best to determine the best of the best to determine the best of our best to determine the opportunity to determine the best to determine the best of our best to determine the best of all our family and our family. course of action that goes on.
“I am disappointed in this result, but am still happy and grateful for the opportunities I have had. L is required to support my teammates who still represent our school and wrestling sports with the same passion and dedication that got us here. Whatever happens, I will continue to train, compete and push myself to be the best wrestler and person as I can be as I continue my career at Cornell University.
Anthony Knox from St. John Vianney breaks Braden Jones from Delebarton 4th January 2025 (Imgn)
“Thank you all for your continued love and support. It really means the world to me. I’m more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know I’m the best there is.”
It is unknown whether Knox Jr.’s status with Cornell University has been affected.
