A New Jersey state wrestling champion and his father have been sentenced for their involvement in a February brawl that was captured in a viral video, with the incident occurring at St. John Vianney High School.
Details of the Incident and Charges
The pair were originally charged with simple assault for purposely and knowingly causing bodily injury. This stemmed from Anthony Knox Jr. leaving his team's bench to follow his father into the crowd, where a melee quickly ensued.
As reported by NJ.com, Knox Jr. pled down to disorderly conduct and received a year of probation. Meanwhile, the elder Knox pled down to disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace in exchange for a $1,000 fine.
Courtroom Apology and Background
'It was a truly, truly unfortunate incident,' Knox Sr., a former amateur MMA fighter, told Collingswood municipal court. He added, 'Some of the stuff that was said just enraged me in a way I haven't been enraged before. I need to do a better job of controlling my emotions, no matter what. No matter what was said - didn't make it right. I do apologize.'
Previously, Knox Sr. told CBS New York that he confronted the other fans because they were 'cursing at my son, cursing at my wife.'
Police Report and Allegations
A Collingswood police officer who filed the report against Knox Jr. stated that he saw the wrestler swing and punch a minor repeatedly during the brawl. Additionally, it was claimed that Knox Sr. 'attempted to kick and stomp' another spectator laying on the floor 'numerous times,' according to NJ.com.
Implications for Knox Jr.'s Future
Knox Jr. can have the charges dismissed if he abides by the conditions of his probation. This is significant because the four-time New Jersey state wrestling champion is set to attend Rutgers University on a wrestling scholarship.
Furthermore, NJ.com reports that Knox Jr. signed an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal with Rutgers that will pay around $200,000 annually. Knox Jr. was ranked the No. 1 high school wrestler in the nation at the 126-pound weight limit last season.
Rutgers wrestling coach Scott Goodale recently told NJ.com that he did his 'due diligence' in recruiting Knox, who originally committed to Cornell.
