Thu Feb 27 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## High School Wrestling Star Sues After Brawl Costs Him State Title Shot

**Collingswood, NJ** – Three-time New Jersey state wrestling champion Anthony Knox Jr. is suing the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) after a brawl at the District 25 wrestling tournament led to his disqualification and the end of his high school wrestling career.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that Knox intervened in a fight involving his father and opposing parents who were allegedly shouting racial slurs. Video footage shows a chaotic scene erupting in the stands at Collingswood High School on Saturday. Knox’s family claims the altercation stemmed from abusive behavior by opposing fans directed towards them and their team. Knox’s father, Anthony Knox Sr., reports being assaulted after confronting the hecklers.

The lawsuit contends that the NJSIAA’s disqualification of Knox was unjust, citing a lack of due process and a flawed investigation. It alleges that the NJSIAA Executive Director, Colleen Maguire, based her decision on incomplete information, and that Collingswood High School failed to provide a safe environment for the tournament. The suit further claims that Knox did not violate any NJSIAA rules.

While video appears to show Knox Jr. becoming involved in the melee, his lawyer, Patrick Jennings, argues that his actions were in defense of his family. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Mercer County Superior Court to address the injunction request to overturn Knox’s disqualification.

Despite the disqualification, Knox Jr.’s commitment to wrestle at Cornell University in the fall remains unaffected, according to Cornell coach Mike Grey. Grey described his conversation with Knox Jr. as “tough” but declined further comment. The NJSIAA has yet to respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit seeks to allow Knox Jr. to continue competing in the state tournament.

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