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The St. John Vianney senior, the top-ranked 126 pound wrestler in the nation has been charged with simple assault- knowingly causing bodily injury in connection with a brawl allegedly also involving his dad Saturday, Feb. 22, court records show.
The brawl, which was caught on video, came at the conclusion of a wrestling match at Collingswood High School during the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association District 25 wrestling championships.
Following the melee, the NJSIAA disqualified Knox from participating in last Saturday's Region 7 tournament, but a court ruled a day before the meet that the NJSIAA denied Knox's right to due process, pointing out Knox was the only person punished for a melee that involved numerous people.
Knox went on to compete and win the regional title.
In a statement, the NJSIAA Executive Committee said it fully supported Executive Director Colleen Maguire's decision to disqualify Knox from the meet.
"NJSIAA exists to ensure fair and safe competition, and the Executive Committee plays a critical role in establishing and upholding the rules that govern high school athletics. These policies protect student-athletes, maintain competitive balance, and reinforce the values of sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect—core principles that make high school sports an essential extension of the educational experience," the committee said. "Difficult decisions often generate debate, particularly in high-profile situations. However, rules are in place to be applied consistently and equitably. Policies regarding eligibility, spectator behavior, and conduct ensure fairness, order, and the integrity of competition—principles that all member schools agree to uphold. Without clear standards, the values that define interscholastic athletics would be undermined."
The executive committee said high school sports are a privilege, not a right.
"Every participant—athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators—shares responsibility for fostering an environment where sportsmanship and respect remain paramount," the committee said. Actions inside and outside the competition space have consequences, and preserving the credibility of our athletic programs requires accountability from all stakeholders. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a structured, fair, and principled foundation for interscholastic competition now and in the future."
Knox aims to be the fifth four-time state wrestling champion in New Jersey history. He has committed to wrestling at Cornell.
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