Latest news with #AnthonyKnoxJr.
CBS News
09-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
New Jersey high school wrestler wins 4th straight state championship amid controversy
A New Jersey high school wrestler is once again a state champion, this time amid swirling controversy. Anthony Knox Jr. won the 126-pound finals for his fourth straight state championship Saturday, becoming only the fifth person in New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association history to do so. The victory places him among the elite, but it might be short-lived. The title could eventually be stripped from him. Brawl controversy surrounds New Jersey champion wrestler Knox's accomplishment is overshadowed by controversy. On Feb. 22, he and his father were involved in a brawl in the stands during the NJ District 25 tournament at Collingswood High School, an incident that ended with both of them being led away in handcuffs. Knox's father claims he was assaulted when he confronted a spectator who was allegedly yelling and cursing. Knox said he then ran into the stands to protect his family. The NJSIAA disqualified Knox, but an attorney filed an injunction that would allow Knox to compete and a judge granted Knox a relief. Earlier this week, however, Knox was charged with simple assault in connection to the brawl. He was initially barred again from competing, but an appeals court judge ruled in his favor, saying the NJSIAA did not allow Knox due process in defending himself.
CBS News
01-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Top New Jersey high school wrestler will be allowed to compete in state championship after disqualification
A top high school wrestler in New Jersey who had been disqualified from the state championship will now be allowed to compete. Friday, a judge granted St. John Vianney High School senior Anthony Knox Jr. a relief from the disqualification levied from the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The decision came just one hour before the weigh-in for the competition. Knox Jr. will be trying to win a historic fourth straight state championship. New Jersey wrestling tournament brawl controversy The controversy started at the NJ District 25 tournament at Collingswood High School last Saturday. Knox Jr.'s father claims a spectator was cursing and yelling racial slurs at competitors, and when he asked the man to stop, he was assaulted. Videos show a large fight breaking out among spectators. Knox Jr. said he ran into the stands because he feared for his family's wellbeing. Both father and son were led away in handcuffs after the brawl, prompting the NJSIAA to disqualify Knox Jr. from the state championship. An attorney filed an injunction that would allow Knox Jr. to compete.
CBS News
28-02-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Attorneys for New Jersey high school wrestler appear in court to determine eligibility for state championship
Attorneys for a top New Jersey high school wrestler who was disqualified from the state championships appeared in court Thursday. The hearing was about whether St. John Vianney High School senior Anthony Knox Jr.'s eligibility for the championships will be reinstated. Knox was disqualified after he allegedly ran into the stands when violence erupted between his dad and other spectators at a tournament last Saturday. An attorney has filed an injunction that would allow Knox Jr. to compete until a proper hearing can be held. There's no word yet on when the court will rule on Knox's injunction. School districts respond to brawl at wrestling tournament Anthony Knox Sr. told CBS News New York's Steve Overmyer he saw men cursing at his son and wife, and yelling racial slurs at other students during the tournament. "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," he said. "I felt that my family's lives and well being were at risk, and that's why I stepped in," Anthony Knox Jr. said. The father and son were the only two people involved in the brawl that were led away in handcuffs, and Knox Jr. was swiftly disqualified by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. St. John Vianney High School said in a statement it respects the decision of the NJSIAA after its investigation, adding it does not condone violence of any kind and last weekend's incident is not indicative of what the school or wrestling program stands for. Knox Sr. claims someone from the West Deptford School District instigated the brawl. The school district released the following statement Thursday: "West Deptford School District is aware of the incident that took place on February 22, 2025, at the District 25 Wrestling Tournament hosted at Collingswood High School. This unfortunate event does not reflect the values of sportsmanship and respect that we uphold, and we do not condone physical confrontations at any sanctioned school event. "We are also aware of the recent accusations that racial and vulgar statements that were allegedly made by individuals/fans associated with our school district. A thorough investigation into these claims has been conducted, and there is absolutely no evidence or witness testimony supporting these serious and defamatory allegations. Additionally, the NJSIAA has conducted its own investigation, and no complaints were filed during the event against anyone associated with West Deptford. "Our students, fans, and coaching staff were in close proximity to security personnel and law enforcement throughout the event. At no point was anyone from our district addressed for inappropriate comments or behavior. Furthermore, our student-athletes competed with integrity and respect, and no officials reported any misconduct on their part. "It is disappointing that our school district has been implicated in an incident that originated outside our community. We remain committed to ensuring that our students and fans are not placed in harm's way. We have communicated with the host school, along with NJSIAA, that assures us that there will be a high level of security for spectator and student athlete comfort. There will be 'ZERO TOLERANCE' from coaches, athletes, and fans to ensure productive and sportsmanlike matches. As the postseason continues, we hope the focus remains on the student-athletes and their hard work. The West Deptford School District stands firmly in support of sportsmanship, safety, and the well-being of all participants and spectators."
