Could Soldier Salute Controversy Cost A.J. Ferrari His Spot At Iowa Hawkeyes?

The Iowa Hawkeyes hosted their yearly “Soldier Salute” meet last week, unaware of the explosive controversy that would unfold. While the hosts had prepared all the fireworks to greet the team’s dominance as the No. 2 NCAA squad, the ambiance was astounded when a former Oklahoma State wrestler offended his opponent.

National wrestling champion A.J. Ferrari’s 2022 season ended prematurely with a car crash. Iowa coaches Tom and Terry Brands gave Ferrari a chance to redeem himself and utilize the three remaining years of his eligibility. But as A.J. Ferrari made a comeback, he became a subject of scrutiny.

A.J. Ferrari’s gesture at the Soldier Salute garnered scrutiny

A.J. Ferrari went into the Soldier Salute as an unattached wrestler. The former 197-pound NCAA champion was still waiting for his official confirmation to the Hawkeyes when he went against Zach Glazier on Saturday. The Iowa star was braced for the challenge and gave Ferrari the strongest competition.

The wrestling duo latched against each other for the final tumble with none acceding the other an advantage. Shockingly, the duo went to the overtime tied at 2-2. Subsequently, Ferrari picked up a rather stupendous victory with a late takedown.

However, moments later, he did something that turned the wild name chants into a chorus of conjectures. Purler Wrestling captured the exact moment when it went south for A.J. Ferrari.

Captioned, “There’s always HEAT & FIRE when your “teammate” …..who’s after your job….and you go at it. I’ve been there many times myself. And when a spot on a World Class program is on the line…tempers flair big time. I’m sure the Iowa staff will keep it under control,” the video showed A.J Ferrari and Zach Glazier in the midst of a heated altercation. Next, he punched Glazier and flipped off the Iowa fans.

A.J. Ferrari’s future in jeopardy

A.J. Ferrari received the disqualification verdict from the referee and left the ring amidst taunts. Now the wrestling world is anticipating the Hawkeyes to follow the Cowboys’ suit and cancel his enrollment offer.

Read More: “You Need People Like Me”: AJ Ferrari Vents Frustration After Being Disqualified in Highly Anticipated Comeback at Soldiers Salute

A.J. Ferrari’s younger brothers, Anthony and Angelo, also received offers from Iowa. Anthony has a checkered past like his older brother, as he has also dealt with legal issues like AJ, getting a one-year deferred sentence on counts of assaulting two people in July 2022. According to the Stillwater News Press, he entered nolo contendere pleas.. He also received similar treatment from the fans on Saturday after shoving a Hawkeye standout.

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