In the District 25 tournament, you are supposed to defeat three opponents. This will get you entry into the state regions. Simple, yes? So what could possibly go wrong, right? A lot went wrong for New Jersey’s high school wrestling talent. His actions, which he has claimed as acts of self-defense upon seeing his father in trouble, have landed him in a lot of trouble. But exactly what happened?

A fight broke out by the end of the district tournament, towards the end of the competition on February 22, 2025. Surprisingly, Anthony Knox Jr., who is considered by many to be one of the top wrestlers ever produced in the Garden State, and his father were seen leaving the venue in handcuffs. As per NJ.com, the St. John Vianney wrestler was charged with simple assault.

It was the Collingswood police who handled his case. For now, the court documents show that Anthony tried to purposely cause bodily injury to the victims. But as if this wasn’t enough, he was even banned from competition. And the ones who made this decision were the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). His innocence is to be decided but for now it’s assured that he was part of the brawl.

The NJSIAA executive who was responsible for this decision states that this was a much-thought-out decision. Richard Lamberson, who is also the executive director, mentions, “I did not make this decision lightly.” He further continues, “I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career.”

The state association’s stubborn nature caused the wrestler to take the matter to the higher authorities. On February 26, Knox sued the NJSIAA, seeking legal help. The court heard him the next day and his statement tracked the entire event from his perspective, citing, ““During the finals matches, the atmosphere of the crowd became increasingly hostile toward me and my teammates because of our success. Insults were hurled at us,” he told.

Further, he informed that his father confronted that group to stop, and what followed was “people lunge forward assaulting my father, and he was pulled down and completely surrounded by unruly people.” The three-time NJ state champion’s immediate course of action was to ensure his parents’ protection. He concluded his statement with “I dispute the NJSIAA’s adopted version of the facts.”

Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Bartels overturned the NJSIAA’s decision on 28th, thus ensuring that Knox enjoys his last season of high school career. Ever since then, the young gun has gone on to win his further competitions, but his career might still be in danger.

Knox’s title hangs on the thread of NJSIAA’s appeal

Though the state association’s decision was overturned by the court, the NJSIAA was not happy with it, citing “The NJSIAA respects the decision of the Mercer County court; however, we strongly disagree with it.” The NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association has also warned of taking further actions.

They further said, “We will be appealing and considering all other options. In the meantime, Anthony Knox will be permitted to wrestle in the regional tournament under the terms of the temporary restraining order.”

Since the ban was lifted, the junior Knox went on to compete in the Region 7 semifinals, defeating the No. 5-seed Michael Mirassol of Seneca High School, 17-1. Then it was time for the Region 7 final round to defeat No. 3-seed Aiden Flynn of Lacey Township High School TF. What’s next for Knox is the 2025 state tournament to be held in Atlantic City, NJ, March 6-8.

The senior is a favorite for the win, but if NJSIAA’s appeal is in their favor, it’s over the young wrestler.