Trenton – Senator Paul Sarlo, a member of the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, issued the following statement in support of the association’s actions disqualifying from further competition Anthony Knox Jr., the Saint John Vianney wrestler, for his behavior during a match at Collingswood High School:
“I want to express my full, unqualified support of the NJSAA in disqualifying Anthony Knox Jr. from further competition for his abhorrent actions at the high school wrestling match in Collingswood. There are no excuses for any athlete to ‘leave the bench’ to engage in violent behavior targeting spectators, other athletes or anyone else. News accounts report that videos show Mr. Knox Jr. threw punches and assaulted people and that he has been arrested and charged like his father.
“The Association did the right thing by enforcing the rules of conduct that define the values of interscholastic athletics.
“As a governing member of the NJSIAA, an avid fan of high school sports, a coach, a father of scholastic athletes and a former high school and college athlete, I feel strongly about the core standards of sportsmanship. Participation in scholastic athletics is a privilege with responsibilities. This is especially important for young athletes who must learn how to compete with integrity.
“I do not believe that the NJSIAA’s disciplinary actions should be overturned. It sets a bad precedent for scholastic sports and a bad example for young athletes. In an era when many premiere athletes are receiving financial compensation and the help from alumni, they could evade justifiable consequences by going to court.
“I want to reaffirm the established authority of the NJSIAA to enforce its rules, uphold its policies and continue to pursue its mission. That is in the best interest of everyone involved.”