By Dr. John Wendt
There is no question that Anthony Knox, Jr. is a very special high school wrestler. Competing for Saint John Vianney High School (SJV) in New Jersey, he has consistently been ranked as number one in the country in the 126-pound class for four years. He had won three consecutive New Jersey State Championships. His accolades include: USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week; 2021 16U National Championship; 2024 runner-up at the U20 World Team Trials.[1] Knox is currently ranked No. 1 at 126 lbs. in the 2024-25 Sports Illustrated National High School Wrestling Rankings.[2]
Knox knows what he wants, “I want to be that guy that people look at and they mention for years in the future…I want to be the standard. I want to have awards in my name. I want to have all this stuff, right? So, I think that’s more important to me than what people think about who’s the best ever. I just want people to realize that I’m a (expletive) dog.”[3] He was on-track and was attempting to become only the fifth four-time state champion in the 107-year history of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).
But then came the New Jersey District 25 tournament at Collingswood High School on February 22, 2025. The NJSIAA had recently realigned the sectional competitions, and some blamed realignment as powerhouse parochial schools dominated tournaments.[4] That was the case at the District 25 tournament where SJV won the first nine weight classes. When SJV finally lost the crowd erupted, and then suddenly a chaotic brawl broke out in the stands between about two dozen fans from SJV fans and West Deptford.[5] Fights between fans in the stands during wrestling events have been well documented.[6]
Collingswood athletic director Colleen Harte reportedly confirmed that two people were arrested after the melee which involved at least one athlete.[7] Harte did not disclose the identities of the two, but it was reported that individuals were Anthony Knox Sr. and Anthony Knox, Jr. [8] Harte went on to say, “There was an incident in the stands between a parent and an athlete and another group of parents and athletes…We had staff there. Police and staff separated them. Two people were taken and arrested. We tried to clear the affected side of the gym and that didn’t work and so we cleared the entire gym.”[9]
Knox, Sr., a former MMA fighter[10] blamed the West Deptford fans and was quoted as saying, “I saw a bunch of grown men yelling racial slurs at kids that I’ve been training since they were 6 years old, cursing at my son, cursing at my wife…As a man, I walked over, walked up into the stands, and asked the guy to stop. At that point, I was assaulted. Never threw a punch. Never hurt anybody. Never ran up there like a bat out of hell, just throwing punches at people. None of that happened. I got pushed down the bleachers. I could have gotten seriously injured. Then I got surrounded by about 10 other families.”[11] Investigations by the NJSIAA and West Deptford school district into allegations that West Deptford fans made racist and vulgar remarks to be unsubstantiated. West Deptford superintendent Brian Gismondi said, “there is absolutely no evidence or testimony supporting these serious and defamatory allegations” directed against fans of the school’s wrestling team.[12]
News reports and videos showed that Knox, Jr. left the bench area and ran into the stands following his father.[13] Knox, Jr. explained his actions, “The protection of my family is the No. 1 thing to me…If I had a choice of protecting my family or never wrestling a match again, I would choose protecting my family every single time. I felt that my family’s lives and well being were at risk, and that’s why I stepped in.”[14] NJSIAA rules stipulate that “any player that leaves the bench area during an altercation, regardless of whether the player engages in the altercation, shall be disqualified,” meaning any wrestler who was identified in the melee would be disqualified for the rest of the season.[15]
Citing that there was “uncontradictory video evidence” that showed Knox, Jr. entering the stands and throwing a punch during the fight, NJSIAA executive director Colleen Maguire suspended Knox, Jr. for the rest of the season. Maguire said, “Earlier today, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School administration that the student-athlete wrestling in the 126lb weight class has been disqualified from the NJSIAA wrestling state tournament… I have determined that the disqualified student-athlete violated both the Association’s sportsmanship policy and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation…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. However, my role is to uphold the integrity of high school athletics by ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and are held to the same standards of sportsmanship and safety. Let it be clear, the Association cannot, and will not, condone actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its member school approved rules.”[16] In a statement St. John Vianney said that it respected the decision of the NJSIAA, that the school does not condone violence of any kind, and that the incident was not indicative of what the school or wrestling program principles.[17]
Knox, Jr. responded saying, “As many of you know I have been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I had finished competing at the district tournament. Like anyone, my only concern at that 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… No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete, and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be as I continue my career onward at Cornell University…. I’m more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know, that I’m the best there is.”[18]
Then the Knox’s filed for a temporary restraining order that would allow Knox, Jr. to compete. They argued that Knox, Jr.’s suspension came without notice and violated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.[19] They also argued that Knox, Jr. didn’t leave the bench area, because that area was not defined; that “sportsmanship” was only defined in a proposal; and that the equities were in Knox, Jr’s. favor. On February 27, 2025, just a few hours before the regional competition was to begin Judge Patrick J. Bartels granted the order finding that, “Violating fundamental fairness provides irreparable harm. Because of the importance of high school sports and fair process, this Court finds Plaintiff (Knox, Jr.) faces irreparable harm by being disqualified. Although New Jersey courts generally abstain from intervening in decisions of voluntary associations, this Court finds it appropriate to step in. High school sports serve an important place in society and must remain above reproach.”[20]
The Court recognized that Knox, Jr. did not have a general constitutional right to participate in high school sports. But also noted that based on the record the NJSIAA never contacted Knox, Jr. before sending him his disqualification notice, and the disqualification notice defied “general notions of public policy and fundamental process. Procedural due process requires notice of allegations and opportunity to respond to allegations.”[21] Finally the Court noted that “Given the prominent role high school athletics play in society, this Court acknowledges irreparable harm to someone at the pinnacle of his high school career. Preserving Plaintiff’s disqualification also tarnishes his reputation, which is not compensable. Denying any notice to Plaintiff impacts future students who spend their lives training and preparing for such moments.”[22] The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division denied NJSIAA’s appeal on March 5, 2025. [23]
At the Regional Tournament Knox, Jr. was escor and after he won his match, Vianney coach Chris Notte said, “He was professional…He came here. He got the job done and he went home with good sportsmanship.”[24] At the State Tournament he won his first two contests by technical fall and then scored three straight major decisions to win the New Jersey State Championship for the fourth time.[25] Interviewed after the Championship, Knox, Sr. briefly said, “I don’t even want to talk about that stuff anymore, man…It was a hard fought battle, and I’m really happy he won” while Knox. Jr. said, “No comment…”[26] Finally, one reporter commenting on the Championship said, “The referee raised Anthony Knox Jr.’s right fist in the air on Saturday afternoon as a state champion — the same fist, police say, that the wrestler used to ‘repeatedly’ punch a minor” at the district tournament just two weeks previously.[27] Right after Knox, Jr. won, he ran again into the stands – this time to hug his attorney.[28]
The NJSIAA still stands by the decision to disqualify Knox, Jr. and noted that they still are involved in the litigation with a counterclaim.[29] It was reported that the NJSIAA could vacate Knox’s championship title.[30] Knox, Jr. has chosen to continue his career at Cornell.
On March 6, 2025, Collingswood police charged Knox, Jr. with simple assault and purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury.[31] A Collingswood police officer stated that he witnessed Knox, Jr. punch a minor “about the face and head repeatedly” and that the blows from “Knox resulted in bruising and pain to the right temple area” of the minor.[32] Knox, Sr. was charged on March 10, 2025 also with simple assault and purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury. Allegedly Knox, Sr. assaulted a spectator who fell to the gym floor at the bottom of the bleachers where Knox. Sr. attempted to kick and stomp him numerous times.[33]
[1] Gary Abbott, Anthony Knox Named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week Presented by U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, (2024), https://www.themat.com/news/2024/october/02/anthony-knox-named-usa-wrestling-athlete-of-the-week-presented-by-u-s-air-force-special-warfare (last visited Mar 10, 2025).
[2] Billy Burkheit, 2024-25 National High School Wrestling Rankings (2/21/2025), (2025), https://www.si.com/high-school/wrestling/2024-25-national-high-school-wrestling-rankings-2-21-2025-01jmmjjdbbte (last visited Mar 23, 2025).
[3] Jake Aferiat, The Rise and Sudden Fall of New Jersey’s Greatest Wrestler, (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/02/the-rise-and-sudden-fall-of-new-jerseys-greatest-wrestler.html (last visited Apr 2, 2025).
[4] Rick Fortenbaugh, All Hell Broke Loose in District 25 Wrestling at Collingswood High, (2025), https://www.trentonian.com/2025/02/24/rick-fortenbaugh-all-hell-broke-loose-in-district-25-wrestling-at-collingswood-high/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025).
[5] Joe Zedalis, Wrestling Champ ‘Repeatedly’ Punched a Minor in Head during Ugly Brawl, Police Say, (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/03/wrestling-champ-repeatedly-punched-a-minor-during-ugly-brawl-police-say.html (last visited Mar 25, 2025).
[6] Eli McKown, Fans Told to Leave Gym during Southeast Polk vs. Ankeny Wrestling Dual, (2025), https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/01/10/southeast-polk-vs-ankeny-wrestling-dual-fans-asked-to-leave-empty-gym/77593458007/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025). See also, Hannah Kaufman, Spectators Confront Coach during Cony-Madison Wrestling Match, (2025), https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/01/28/spectators-confront-coach-during-cony-madison-wrestling-match/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025); Tommy Lopez, Video Shows Brawl at New Mexico High School Wrestling Meet, (2024), https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/video-shows-brawl-at-new-mexico-high-school-wrestling-meet/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025); Tommy Lopez, Video Shows Brawl at New Mexico High School Wrestling Meet, (2024), https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/video-shows-brawl-at-new-mexico-high-school-wrestling-meet/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025); John Wendt, Wrestling Fanatics: Referee Clears Gym, Legal Controversy Ensues, Sports Facilities and the Law, Volume 9, Issue 4, (January – February, 2025) (Feb. 21, 2025), https://sportslitigationalert.com/wrestling-fanatics-referee-clears-gym-legal-controversy-ensues/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025).
[7] Shore News Network, Massive Brawl Erupts at New Jersey High School Wrestling Match; Father of Star Wrestler Taken out in Cuffs, (Feb. 24, 2025), https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2025/02/24/massive-brawl-erupts-at-new-jersey-high-school-wrestling-match-father-of-star-wrestler-taken-out-in-cuffs/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025).
[8] Steve Overmyer, Top N.J. High School Wrestler Anthony Knox Vows to Fight His Ban for Role in Brawl – CBS New York, (2025), https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-jersey-wrestler-anthony-knox-jr-banned-from-state-tournament/ (last visited Mar 7, 2025). See also, Brian Deakyne, Father of 3-Time State Wrestling Champ Led Away in Handcuffs after Brawl at State Tourney, (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/02/father-of-3-time-state-wrestling-champ-led-away-in-handcuffs-after-brawl-at-state-tourney.html (last visited Apr 1, 2025). See also, Shore News Network, supra note 7. See also, John Beisser, Chaos at NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament; Father of Nationally Ranked Wrestler Arrested After A Brawl, High School On SI (2025), https://www.si.com/high-school/new-jersey/chaos-at-nj-district-25-wrestling-tournament-father-of-nationally-ranked-wrestler-arrested-after-a-brawl-01jmtyx23aar (last visited Mar 18, 2025).
[9] Deakyne, supra note 8.
[10] Rich Fisher, SJV’s Knox Gains Strength from Bible before Winning State Wrestling Title, Whitewater Publishing (2022), https://trentonmonitor.com/news/2022/mar/15/sjvs-knox-gains-strength-from-bible-before-winning/ (last visited Mar 18, 2025).
[11] Overmyer, supra note 8.
[12] Tom McGurk, Investigations: No Findings of Racial, Vulgar Remarks by West Deptford Fans Leading to Brawl, Courier-Post (2025), https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/02/28/nj-wrestling-fight-west-deptford-anthony-knox-district-25-njsiaa/80835636007/ (last visited Mar 7, 2025).
[13] Overmyer, supra note 8. See also, Ryan Patti, Star Wrestler’s Historic Quest Back on after Reinstated by Judge, nj (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/02/judge-finally-makes-ruling-on-star-wrestler-banned-from-state-tourney-is-he-in-or-out.html (last visited Mar 25, 2025).
[14] Overmyer, supra note 8.
[15] Beisser, supra note 8.
[16] John Beisser, Anthony Knox, The Nation’s Top-Ranked Wrestler, Reacts to His Disqualification After NJSIAA State Tournament, High School On SI (2025), https://www.si.com/high-school/new-jersey/nation-s-no-1-ranked-hs-wrestler-disqualified-from-nj-state-tournament-for-his-role-in-brawl-01jmznknk950 (last visited Mar 7, 2025).
[17] Overmyer, supra note 8.
[18] Beisser, supra note 16.
[19] Anthony Knox, Jr. v. New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association; St. John Vianney High School and Collingswood Board of Education, Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Mercer County, Order Granting Order to Show Cause, Docket: MER-C-17-25, February 28, 2025.
[20] Id. p.16.
[21] Id. p.17
[22] Id.
[23] Joe Zedalis, Dad of Star Wrestler Tried to ‘Kick and Stomp’ Spectator during Brawl, N.J. Cops Say, nj (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/03/dad-of-star-wrestler-tried-to-kick-and-stomp-spectator-during-brawl-nj-cops-say.html (last visited Apr 1, 2025).
[24] Steven Falk, Is There Any Stopping SJV Wrestler Anthony Knox? How He Did in 1st Bout after Court Reprieve, Asbury Park Press (2025), https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/02/28/saint-john-vianney-shore-new-jersey-anthony-knox-wins-first-wrestling-bout-after-judge-overturns-ban/80693929007/ (last visited Mar 8, 2025).
[25] Zach Miller, Joe Ragozinno & Ryan Rivero, NJ State Wrestling Tournament 2025: Live Results, (2025), https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/03/06/nj-state-wrestling-tournament-2025-live-results/80738628007/ (last visited Mar 30, 2025).
[26] Sara Winick, NJ Wrestling Champ’s Dad Tried To Stomp Spectator On Ground, Cops Say | Holmdel, NJ Patch, (2025), https://patch.com/new-jersey/holmdel-hazlet/nj-wrestling-champ-s-dad-tried-stomp-spectator-ground-cops-say (last visited Apr 2, 2025).
[27] Steve Politi, Anthony Knox Jr.’s Tainted Wrestling Title Epitomizes All That’s Wrong in High School Sports, (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/03/anthony-knox-jrs-tainted-wrestling-title-epitomizes-all-thats-wrong-in-high-school-sports-politi.html (last visited Mar 10, 2025).
[28] Id. See also, Varsity Aces [@VarsityAces], Posted with Permission. Bergen County Lawyer Extraordinaire Patrick J. Jennings with 4x State Champ Anthony Knox (Vianney). Https://T.Co/o7YQIV1HvL, Twitter (2025), https://x.com/VarsityAces/status/1898498324497334390 (last visited Mar 30, 2025).
[29] Jake Aferiat, NJSIAA Stands by Decision to DQ Star Wrestler, Says ‘Grave Concern’ Caused by Judge Ruling, nj (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/04/njsiaa-stands-by-decision-to-dq-star-wrestler-says-grave-concern-caused-by-judge-ruling.html (last visited Apr 3, 2025).
[30] McGarry, NJSIAA Could Strip Anthony Knox Jr.of His Championship, (2025), https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/high-school/article_1bafebc2-28b4-4052-8d10-3b67dd65cddc.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share (last visited Apr 3, 2025).
[31] Brian Deakyne, N.J. Cops Charge Star Wrestler for His Involvement in Ugly Brawl, Court Docs Show, nj (2025), https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/03/nj-cops-charge-star-wrestler-for-his-involvement-in-ugly-brawl-court-docs-show.html (last visited Mar 25, 2025).
[32] Zedalis, supra note 5. See also, Paul Steinbach, Star Wrestler Charged With Simple Assault Ahead of NJ State Championships, Athletic Business (2025), https://www.athleticbusiness.com/operations/legal/article/15739197/star-wrestler-charged-with-simple-assault-ahead-of-nj-state-championships (last visited Mar 23, 2025).
[33] Winick, supra note 26.
