Top NJ Wrestler Anthony Knox Jr Charged with Simple Assault After Viral Tournament Brawl

New Jersey high school wrestling star Anthony Knox Jr. has been charged with simple assault after allegedly taking part in a brawl during a tournament last month. The incident, which occurred at Collingswood High School, has sparked substantial controversy. Knox Jr. and his father, Anthony Knox Sr., were detained after the fight broke out in the bleachers. This all went down after Knox Jr. had already secured a win for St. John Vianney High School, pushing him closer to a potential fourth straight New Jersey state title in his weight class.

According to court documents and viral videos shared on social media, Knox Jr. is seen sprinting up the bleachers, allegedly joining the fight. A complaint alleges he entered the opposing team’s section and punched someone repeatedly, causing bruising and pain. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) initially disqualified Knox Jr. from the tournament, but a temporary restraining order granted by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels allowed him to compete in the Region 7 tournament, where he emerged victorious.

Knox Jr. has since issued a statement explaining his actions, claiming he acted to protect his parents. He said tensions were escalating during the finals and alleged that insults were being hurled at him and his teammates. He further claimed that when his father approached the individuals responsible, he was attacked, prompting Knox Jr. to intervene.

Knox Sr., a former MMA fighter, added another layer to the story during an interview with ABC7, stating that racial slurs were being directed at the young athletes. He described approaching the individuals to ask them to stop but said he was pushed down the bleachers and surrounded by multiple people. He denied throwing any punches himself.

The NJSIAA has voiced strong disagreement with the court’s decision to reinstate Knox Jr. in the tournament and has announced plans to appeal. Despite this, Knox Jr., who is committed to wrestle for Cornell University, remains on track to compete for his fourth consecutive state title. His future college coach, Mike Grey, has stated that the incident has not affected Knox Jr.'s status with Cornell, and he looks forward to having him on the team when he enrolls.

Knox Jr.’s recent win against Aidan Flynn of Lacey High School in the Region 7 championship has set the stage for what could be a historic fourth title, making him only the fifth wrestler in New Jersey history to achieve such a feat. The stakes couldn’t be higher, both on and off the mat, as his story continues to unfold.