Anthony Knox, The Nation's Top-Ranked Wrestler, Reacts to His Disqualification After NJSIAA State Tournament

A violent altercation involving fans, coaches and athletes erupted in the stands at the NJ District 25 wrestling tournament on Saturday, leading to the arrest of Anthony Knox’s father at Collingswood High School

Saint John Vianney wrester Anthony Knox (top) will not get the opportunity to compete for a fourth straight New Jersey state championship after being disqualified from the state tournament for a violation of the NJISIAA's sportsmanship rule during a regional event last weekend. / Doug Hood / USA TODAY NETWORK

Anthony Knox, Jr., who is ranked No. 1 in the 2024-25 High School On SI National High School Wrestling Rankings, at126-pounds, has been disqualified from the upcoming New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Tournament, NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire announced this afternoon in a statement.

Knox, Jr. was disqualified for his role in a brawl that took place on Saturday night in the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood HS, the same brawl that resulted in his father, Anthony Knox, Sr., being seen taken away in handcuffs. A three-time New Jersey state wrestling champion at Saint John Vianney HS, considered to be one of greatest in state history, will now be unable to compete for a fourth straight title.

Will top in the nation #AnthonyKnox be dq'd and unable to compete for his 4th New Jersey HS wrestling title? His fate lies in the #NJSIAA #njwrestling body's hands. Here is a breakdown of the brawl at #district25 & why suspension is likely. Ending his storied HS career. pic.twitter.com/U6EtkKHcGM

— Cognitive Dissonant (@Shenani13325313) February 25, 2025

STATEMENT FROM:

Colleen E. Maguire, Executive Director

NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)

“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. The disqualification was the result of my investigation into an incident that occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the district tournament hosted at Collingswood High School. 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 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.  I also would like to thank event staff security and the Collingswood police department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without further incident.

“The Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126lb weight class will now be reseeded accordingly.

“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.”

The massive fight broke out in the stands, on Saturday, involving fans, coaches, athletes which led to the arrest of two people and the launching of the NJSIAA investigation.

Tuesday evening, Knox made a statement on X.com.

"I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the increidble support I've received throughout my wrestling career and especially over the past few days," wrote Knox. "Wrestling has given me so much and I am beyond grateful to my teammates, coaches, family and the amazing community that has stood by me.

"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.

"I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I've had. I am committed to supporting my teammates still representing our school and the sport of wrestling with the same passion and dedication that got us here. 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 oward at Cornell University.

"Thank you all for your continued love and support. It truly means the world to me.

"I'm more motivated than ever and excited to prove to everyone what I already know, that I'm the best there is."

Statement from Anthony Knox: pic.twitter.com/ei8W0akn4i

— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) February 26, 2025

Knox, Sr. competed in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) when the family moved from Staten Island to New Jersey several years ago, according to a 2022 story that appeared in the Trentonion. MMA is a combination of techniques derived from boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Thai boxing and other disciplines.

District tournaments are qualifiers for next week’s region tournaments. The top four qualifiers in the regions then move on to wrestle in the state championships in Atlantic City.

St. John Vianney, No. 3 in the Asbury Park Press Shore Conference rankings, won the first nine championship bouts at the Collingswood district before the meet took an ugly twist.