St. John Vianney’s Anthony Knox disqualified from remainder of NJSIAA wrestling season, ending pursuit of fourth state title
The career of one of the greatest high school wrestlers in New Jersey history has come to a shocking end.
St. John Vianney senior Anthony Knox is ranked No. 1 in the country at 126 pounds and was set to become the first wrestler in Shore Conference history and fifth all-time in state history to win four NJSIAA wrestling state championships. Instead, his season and his career are over after the NJSIAA disqualified him for the remainder of the season because of his actions during a brawl at the District 25 Tournament last Saturday.
The ban stems from the NJSIAA District 25 Tournament that took place at Collingswood High School on Saturday, February, 22. A fight broke out in the stands in the section where West Deptford and St. John Vianney fans were assigned. In multiple videos shared via social media, Knox can be seen sprinting into the stands, which is a violation of the NJSIAA rules that states “Only coaches can leave the bench with the purpose of restraining players and/or stopping altercations. Any player who leaves the bench area at any point during an interscholastic event is automatically disqualified.” The video also appears to show Knox throwing punches and, in a separate video, later being led away in handcuffs. His father, Anthony Knox Sr., was also observed on multiple videos being involved in the altercation and being led away in handcuffs.
“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 released by the NJSIAA. “The disqualification was the result of my investigation into an incident that occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the district tournament hosted at Collingswood High School.”
“I have determined that the disqualified student-athlete violated both the Association’s sportsmanship policy and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.”
“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches from our member schools and those spectators who provided written statements and videos to assist the investigation. I also would like to thank event staff security and the Collingswood police department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without further incident.”
“The Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126lb weight class will now be reseeded accordingly.”
“I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career. 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.”
“Let it be clear, the Association cannot, and will not, condone actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its member school approved rules.”
One of the top pound-for-pound high school wrestlers in the country, Knox is signed to wrestle at Cornell University and entered the NJSIAA individual postseason as the overwhelming favorite to win the 126-pound bracket and join a select group of four-time New Jersey state champions that includes Delbarton’s Mike Grey, Bound Brook’s Andrew Campolattano, South Plainfield’s Anthony Ashnault, and Bergen Catholic’s Nick Suriano.
Knox concluded his career with a 139-1 record with zero losses to New Jersey opponents. Hours after the ruling was announced, he released a statement on Instagram.
“Like anyone, my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family,” Knox said in his Instagram post. “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.”
“I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. l 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. No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete, and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be as I continue my career onward at Cornell University.”
His full statement can be read below.
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