Anthony Knox made NJ wrestling history — now the NJSIAA has erased his 4th championship

☑️Wrestler Anthony Knox lost his fourth state title in an NJSIAA ruling

☑️The NJSIAA said Knox violated its sportsmanship policy during a fight at a tournament.

☑️Knox's court case continues as he prepares to wrestle for Rutgers this fall.

Former high school wrestler Anthony Knox, one of only five high school wrestlers in state history to win four individual championships, was stripped of his final championship by the NJSIAA.

Knox faced a misdemeanor charge of simple assault with purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a fight in the stands at Collingswood High School during the NJSIAA District 25 Tournament on Feb. 22, 2025. Knox, who was a senior at St. John Vianney, said he and his father were defending his family from hecklers.

According to the criminal complaint, the 18-year-old punched a juvenile "about the face and head repeatedly." Officers assigned to the event were told about a "physical altercation" and saw Knox land a punch. Witnesses to the assault identified Knox to the officers. The victim refused medical treatment, according to the complaint.

The NJSIAA barred Knox from competing further, but Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels overturned the penalty in a widely criticized decision. Knox went on to win his fourth championship.

Knox will wrestle for Rutgers University in the fall.

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NJSIAA committee overturns Knox's championship legacy

The NJSIAA controversies committee, however, had the last word and voted unanimously to strip Knox of the last title because he violated the organization's sportsmanship policy.

"In sum the committee finds that Knox engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct by physically assaulting a minor in the stands," according to the ruling. "These actions — physically assaulting students and fans in the bleachers area —clearly violate Section A of the Sportsmanship Rule and contradict the NJSIAA's requirement that athletes demonstrate respect for others and respect for the rules. Fans and attendees should not be subject to physical assault and misconduct when spectating any sport, let alone a high school tournament being held in a high school."

The committee said that high school athletics are not just about winning titles but also "teamwork, leadership and resiliance" that extend beyond the playing field.

"Athletics teach sportsmanship, cooperation and respect for others. Knox did not demonstrate these qualities at the tournament on Feb. 22, 2025. To maintain consistency in punishment and the integrity of our sports program, we find on a de novo review that Knox's actions require disqualification and forfeiture under the NJSIAA Rules."

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St. Vianney High School Anthony Knox

Court case remains open

NJ.com reports that NJSIAA attorney Robert Levy and Knox's attorney, Patrick J. Jennings, will appear before a judge on Wednesday. The original case is still open in the court's Chancery Division, according to NJ.com.

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