Report: HS wrestler forced to cut dreadlocks
A New Jersey high school wrestler was reportedly forced to cut his hair this week before competing in a match in an incident that has stirred questions about whether race was involved in the decision.
According to SNJ Today, Buena High School wrestler Andrew Johnson, who is black, was told by a white referee that he would have to cut off his dreadlocks or forfeit during Wednesday’s meet with Oakcrest High School. Johnson and his coaches initially protested the decision before the wrestler ultimately agreed to the quick haircut in a video posted by SNJ Today that has gone viral.
Johnson had intended to cover his dreadlocks with a hair cap, as is permitted by national and state rules, but was not allowed to do so, according to the report.
SNJ Today reports that the coaches tried to defend Johnson against the referee’s decision before an injury time clock was started that would have led to a forfeit. A team trainer performed the haircut on Johnson.
Johnson would win his 120-pound match with a takedown in overtime. He had previously competed in one other match this season without incident.
Based on video of the match, the referee has been identified as the same person who in 2016 was ordered to go through sensitivity training and an alcohol awareness program after he used the N-word toward another official, according to the Cherry Hill (N.J.) Courier-Post.
Johnson and school officials have not publicly commented on the incident. The team’s coach deferred to the superintendent’s office, which declined comment to the Courier-Post.
Larry White, the executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, said Friday in a statement that the association will recommend that the referee that the “referee in question not be assigned to any event until this matter has been reviewed more thoroughly in order to avoid potential distractions for the competing wrestlers.”
NJSIAA Statement/ Buena Wrestling pic.twitter.com/riBc716dG9
At least one other wrestling referee attempted to defend Wednesday’s ruling, though he noted he had not seen the video in question.
“The interpretation of the rule was applied correctly,” Ron Roberts told the Courier-Post, saying he was told Johnson’s cap wasn’t connected to his headgear as required. “The kid had to have legal head cover by rule or he’s got to cut his hair.”