Anthony Knox, a three-time New Jersey high school wrestling champion, has been disqualified from the Region 7 Wrestling Tournament following his involvement in a brawl at the District 25 tournament. The fight erupted during the event held at Collingswood High School on February 22, 2025. This incident has effectively ended Knox's illustrious high school wrestling career, as he was poised to become New Jersey’s fifth four-time state champion.
The brawl ensued after the 190-pound final match when altercations broke out among spectators, leading to police intervention and removal of several individuals from the gym. According to Colleen Maguire, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NJSIAA), “I have determined the disqualified student-athlete violated both the Association’s sportsmanship policy and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.”
Knox, who was undefeated against New Jersey opponents this season with a record of 32-0, was the No. 1 seed at 126 pounds but will be absent from the upcoming Region 7 Tournament due to this ruling. The results of the brawl include police removing at least two spectators, including Knox's father, who was seen being escorted out of the venue.
This decision from the NJSIAA, made public after their investigation, raised significant concerns about the integrity of high school sports. Maguire stressed, “I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior, and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career.”
Knox's disqualification is particularly notable as he was on track for historic achievements within New Jersey wrestling. He has been ranked No. 1 nationally among high school wrestlers at 126 pounds and was considered by some to be among the greatest high school wrestlers ever produced by the state.
Campers of the event expressed shock at the sudden escalation of violence during what was supposed to be a highly competitive wrestling tournament. The District 25 event faced interruptions, with matches paused for approximately 20 minutes due to the chaos. After the brawl, the gym was cleared of all attendees except for wrestlers and tournament officials.
Knox's father’s involvement came under scrutiny as videos circulated online showed his participation during the altercations. The NJSIAA has stated repeatedly, “I would like to thank the administrators and coaches from our member schools and those spectators who provided written statements and videos to assist the investigation,” acknowledging the extensive input they received from the community during their investigation.
Knox's disqualification means the Region 7 Wrestling Tournament, scheduled for March 6-8 at Lacey Township High School, will need to be reseeded without him. This leaves upcoming competitors unsure of how his absence will affect their standings and chances. His elimination also reminisces about the NJSIAA's strict enforcement policies on behavior and sportsmanship, which are reinforcing the standards expected from all participants.
Despite this setback, Knox remains resilient, indicating on social media, “Like anyone, my only concern at the time was protecting the safety of my family. While I respect the NJSIAA’s decision, my family and I are currently reviewing our options to determine the best course of action moving forward.”
The sentiment across various platforms remains one of disbelief from supporters and wrestling enthusiasts alike, many of whom had long anticipated witnessing Knox attempt to secure his fourth state title. His statement continued, “I am disappointed with this outcome, but I remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”
Following Knox’s disqualification, Richard Lamberson, assistant principal at St. John Vianney High School, commented, “The Saint John Vianney High School Administration acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and does not condone violence of any kind. This incident is not indicative of what the school or wrestling program stands for.”
He added: “Our athletes must take accountability for their actions, and we plan to use this event to serve as a learning experience for our athletes and the school community.”
This latest incident raises questions not only about the immediate consequences faced by those involved but also about the broader impact on high school athletics, particularly concerning audience behavior during such competitive events.
With Knox unable to compete, the spotlight now shifts to the remaining wrestlers vying for their position at the state championships scheduled at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, reinforcing the nature of competitive sports and the code of conduct expected from everyone involved.