The father of a star New Jersey wrestler has been charged alongside his son for his part in a bleacher brawl during a high school championship event last month, according to a report.
Anthony Knox Sr. was charged on Mar. 10 with simple assault and purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury for allegedly stomping and kicking a spectator at the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School on Feb. 22, NJ.com revealed Saturday.
The father ran into an opposing high school’s fan section at the wrestling competition and confronted several men, starting a brawl that sucked in other spectators and his own son who was competing in the tournament, according to a viral video.
Anthony Knox Sr., a trained mixed martial artist, allegedly attempted to kick and stomp on one of the spectators who was lying on the ground, the outlet reported, citing court documents.
“The victim subsequently fell to the floor at which time [Knox Sr.] attempted to kick and stomp him,” the complaint said.
The father was led out of the gym in handcuffs by police, according to witnesses.
Anthony Knox Jr., who attends St. John Vianney High School, ran into the bleachers to come to his dad’s aide during the ruckus, which jeopardized the then-three-time champion’s chance to compete in his senior year championship.
Knox Jr. “proceeded to punch [a minor] about the face and head repeatedly,” the complaint stated, according to NJ.com.
However, the suspension filed by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association was removed by a Mercer County Superior Court judge — allowing the young grappler to compete and win his fourth title in the 126-pound division earlier this month.
Knox Jr. became only the fifth person to win four state championships in New Jersey state history, the outlet reported.
The younger Knox faces the same simple assault charge as his father.
Knox Sr. has previously been arrested three times between 2001 and 2010 for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and once for Disorderly Conduct/Improper Behavior/FIghting in 2002, according to NJ.com.
Both Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. are scheduled for a court appearance in Collingswood on Apr. 2.
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