Wrestler’s attorney condemns referee’s conduct

The parents of an African-american high school wrestler who was forced by a white official to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his match spoke out Monday, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support their son has received as an investigation into the incident continues.

Andrew Johnson, a junior at Buena Regional High School in southern New Jersey, was about to step on the mat for the 120-pound bout when referee Alan Maloney reportedly said his thick, dark brown dreadlocks and hair cover violated state regulations.

The National Federation of State High School Associations dictates the rules for high school wrestling matches. One of its new points of emphasis for wrestling officials this year is to ensure all equipment worn on the mat, including hair coverings, fits “snug” to a wrestler’s body.

Maloney gave Johnson a choice: Get a quick haircut or forfeit the match. Buena coaches and players argued with Maloney, according to Snjtoday, which tweeted out a video of the scene. But the referee started the injury clock (wrestlers are allowed 90 seconds per match to receive medical treatment) and Johnson opted for the haircut.

Dominic Speziali, Johnson’s attorney, said Monday in a statement the family is waiting for the results of an investigation into the incident by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. He suggested Maloney was late for the weigh-in that day, which is when referees are supposed to inspect wrestlers’ appearances and determine any rule violations.

Upon evaluating Johnson, Speziali said, Maloney failed to raise any issues. But upon taking the mat, Maloney “rejected” the head covering.

He called the referee’s conduct “outrageous.”

“The family wants to be clear they are supportive of Andrew’s coaches and the team’s athletic trainer,” Speziali said.

“The blame here rests primarily with the referee and those that permitted him to continue in that role, despite clear evidence of what should be a disqualifying race-related transgression.”

The situation set off a wave of criticism for the referee, who had been investigated in 2016 for directing a racial epithet at a black official.