Anthony Knox will be at Boardwalk Hall, officially.
The New Jersey Superior Court’s Appellate Division rejected the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s last-ditch appeal to keep three-time state champion Anthony Knox from competing in its championship tournament this weekend in Atlantic City, court documents show.
The denial came just hours after Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled to uphold his decision from a week ago, where he granted Knox a temporary restraining order from his tournament disqualification which, at the time, allowed him to wrestle in the Region 7 tournament at Lacey High School.
In a statement, the NJSIAA expressed disappointment in Bartels' decision, which didn’t come until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, mere hours before the start of the tournament in Atlantic City:
“We stand by our commitment to enforcing clear and consistent sportsmanship rules that apply to all student-athletes. We are disappointed with the trial court’s decision allowing Anthony Knox to compete and have asked the appeals court to intervene. We will certainly comply with the temporary restraining order unless the appellate courts rule otherwise.”
But the appellate court denied that appeal, saying, “the applicatation on its face does not concern a threat of irreparable injury, or a situation in which the interests of justice otherwise require adjudication on short notice,” according to court documents.
Knox was disqualified for his involvement in a brawl in the bleachers at the District 25 Tournament at Collingswood High School on Feb. 22. He dashed into the crowd after his father entered the bleachers where opposing team spectators were. A melee ensued moments later, involving parents, athletes and others.
Earlier this week, Knox was charged with simple assault for knowingly/purposely causing bodily injury.
In a court summons obtained by NJ Advance Media, police officers at the scene witnessed Knox “repeatedly” punching a minor about the head and face.
Knox is the No. 1 seed in the 126-pound tournament and is heavily favored to win a fourth state title. Only four other wrestlers in state history have achieved that feat.
Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com.
The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now!
Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)