New Jersey

New Jersey High School Wrestler Who Was Forced to Cut Dreadlocks Returns to Action

Andrew Johnson wrestled Saturday for the first time in more than two weeks.

What to Know

  • A New Jersey high school wrestler forced by a referee to cut his dreadlocks before a match to avoid a forfeit returned to action Saturday.
  • Andrew Johnson wrestled Saturday for the first time in more than two weeks.
  • Johnson had his dreadlocks cut minutes before a match Dec. 19.

A New Jersey high school wrestler forced by a referee to cut his dreadlocks before a match to avoid a forfeit has returned to competition.

Andrew Johnson wrestled Saturday for the first time in more than two weeks. The Buena Regional student lost by a 6-2 decision to Clayton/Glassboro wrestler Jaden Hinton in a 120-pound bout that opened a tournament.

Johnson had his dreadlocks cut minutes before a match Dec. 19. Johnson, who is black, had a cover over his hair, but referee Alan Maloney, who is white, said that wouldn't do.

Maloney hasn't responded to requests for comment.

Johnson, who still wears his hair in short, thin dreadlocks, wrestled Saturday without a hair cover. It wasn't clear if he had to make any adjustments to stay within the rules.

The Buena Regional school board in South Jersey was meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night following the controversy in its second week following last Friday’s match where a high school wrestler was forced to cut his dreadlocks, or forfeit the competition. The wrestler, Andrew Johnson, does not plan to wrestle in his next match, scheduled for Thursday morning.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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