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A top-ranked New Jersey high school wrestler has been disqualified from competing for his fourth state championship after a brawl broke out at a district tournament, leading to multiple arrests, including his father.

Anthony Knox Jr., a senior at St. John Vianney High School and the nation’s top-ranked wrestler in the 126-pound weight class, was barred from the state tournament after allegedly leaving the bench area and entering the stands during the altercation.

The incident occurred Saturday at the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School, according to NJ.com.

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A video of the fight shows a match concluding when a disturbance breaks out in the bleachers.

Screams can be heard as spectators rush toward the altercation, while others attempt to intervene.

The brawl caused a 10-minute delay before the tournament resumed for its final bouts.

Collingswood athletic director Colleen Harte confirmed that two people were arrested, including one wrestler, but did not release names.

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However, NJ.com reported that Anthony Knox Sr., the wrestler’s father, was led away in handcuffs, citing photos and witness accounts.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details, and the Collingswood Police Department has not issued a statement regarding the arrests.

Following an investigation, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) ruled that Knox Jr. had violated the organization’s sportsmanship policy by leaving the bench area during the altercation. As a result, he was disqualified from further competition.

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“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,” NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire said in a statement.

Maguire emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, given the impact on the student-athlete’s career.

“I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior, and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career,” she stated.

“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.”

St. John Vianney assistant principal Richard Lamberson acknowledged the ruling and said the school respects the NJSIAA’s decision.

“This event, which escalated through the emotional feelings of adults, unfortunately, has resulted in impacting young athletes the most, and that is very disheartening,” Lamberson told the Asbury Park Press.

“Our athletes must take accountability for their actions, and we plan to use this event as a learning experience for our athletes and school community.”

While school officials did not name the disqualified wrestler, Knox Jr. addressed the controversy on Instagram, stating that he had only been concerned about protecting his family when the fight broke out.

“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,” Knox Jr. wrote.

“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.”

Despite the setback, Knox Jr. expressed gratitude for his wrestling career and pledged to continue competing at the collegiate level.

“I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had,” he said.

“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.”

Knox Jr. will wrestle at Cornell University next season.

With Knox Jr. disqualified, the Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126-pound weight class will be reseeded.

The top four finishers in the regional tournaments advance to the New Jersey state championships in Atlantic City, scheduled for March 8.

Knox Jr. was aiming to become only the fifth four-time state champion in New Jersey history. He entered the 2025 season with a 29-0 record and was considered a heavy favorite to claim another title, according to Flowrestling.

However, with his disqualification, his high school career comes to an abrupt end.

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