While a state appellate court decides whether to hear an NJSIAA appeal of a lower court decision reinstating St. John Vianney wrestler Anthony Knox in the state tournament, New Jersey athletic directors staunchly backed the association in its attempt to disqualify the three-time state champ.
Knox, a St. John Vianney senior and one of the nation’s top wrestlers, was charged Tuesday with with simple assault-purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury by Collingswood police, court documents show.
In an event that has gripped the New Jersey sports world, videos show Knox charged into the crowd and appeared to have thrown punches during the District 25 Tournament after his father, Anthony Knox Sr., confronted fans from an opposing team. Knox has told news stations that his goal was to protect his family in the altercation.
The brawl happened on Feb. 22. Three days later, NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire disqualified Knox for violating NJSIAA sportsmanship rules and for leaving “the bench area” to participate in an altercation.
The Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey (DAANJ) said in a statement “it fully supports NJSIAA’s commitment to equitable and fair policy enforcement.
“Although supportive of the thoughtful review process undertaken in this matter we are disappointed in the outcome and it goes against the core values of the DAANJ and the NJSIAA,” the statement said.
Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled in Knox’s favor last Friday, granting his request for a temporary restraining order from postseason disqualification.
In his decision, Bartels said, “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.”
NJSIAA attorney Robert Levy argued Knox should be held accountable for his actions.
“Any harm he (Knox Jr.) is alleged to have received is of his own conduct,” Levy said. “What the NJSIAA did is akin to tough love. (Knox Jr. can be seen) running into the crowd and participating in the melee that ensued. That participation in that melee included punching an individual. That victim identified Mr. Knox as the person punching him. There is no dispute of that fact. In what world does that not constitute a violation of the regulations imposed by the NJSIAA? I don’t believe this is a very complicated case.”
Bartels disagreed and Knox wrestled in the NJSIAA/IBEW Local 102 Region 7 Tournament last weekend at Lacey. He won a fourth regional championship and advanced to the state championships Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Atlantic City. On Tuesday, Knox was given the No. 1 seed at 126 pounds in the state championship.
For now, Knox still has the opportunity to become only the fifth, four-time state champion in New Jersey wrestling history.
“High school athletics is about more than just competition—it fosters teamwork, responsibility, and accountability,” the DAANJ statement said. “Student-athletes, coaches, and schools all contribute to a culture where respect and sportsmanship are paramount. It is imperative that all stakeholders—athletes, coaches, and fans—recognize that their actions, and those of their supporters, carry real consequences on competition.”
NJ.com reporter Brian Deakyne contributed to this report.
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Joe Zedalis covers Shore Conference wrestling for NJ.com. He can be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com.
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