High school wrestler told to cut dreadlocks or forfeit bout

[TexasTowelie]

BUENA, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey high school wrestler had his dreadlocks cut off minutes before his match after a referee told him to lose the hairstyle or forfeit his bout.

An SNJ Today reporter tweeted video of Buena Regional High School wrestler Andrew Johnson getting his hair cut court-side. He went on to win Wednesday's match, but appeared visibly distraught.

Johnson, who is black, had a cover over his hair, but the referee Alan Maloney, who is white, said that wouldn't do.

The state's Interscholastic Athletic Association said in a statement they are recommending Maloney not be assigned to any event until the matter has been reviewed more thoroughly.

Read more: https://www.theday.com/statenortheast-news/20181222/high-school-wrestler-told-to-cut-dreadlocks-or-forfeit-bout

[hlthe2b]

1. The most poignant part of this was seeing the wrestler, who actually won his bout, walking

dejectedly out of the gym as he said nothing. Wrenching

[Mike Nelson]

2. I know that...

… hair length can be a problem in wrestling... I congratulate the winner! He's a nice looking young man and his hair looks great either way.

[TexasTowelie]

3. I agree that hair length can be an issue in wrestling for both parties.

The hair can be pulled and it can also be used as a whip against the other wrestler if it's long enough. However, if he is wearing a skull cap to cover the hair then it shouldn't be an issue. Even if the referee is legitimately concerned about the safety of the wrestler and his opponent, the optics of the situation are horrible. As long as the athlete is following the dress code of their school then the referee over-stepped his authority.

[Mike Nelson]

5. His hair...

… does look like it would fit nicely under a cap. My computer would not load the story - only the picture and some blue lines. I see another comment mentions the ref may be a racist... so, I'm guessing the concern is more than just the wrestler's long hair.

[UncleTomsEvilBrother]

4. He's wrestled before, and had a legal cover over his hair...

The ref has been a problem as he has called a colleague the "N Word" before: https://deadspin.com/high-school-wrestling-ref-who-called-colleague-the-n-wo-1831260042/amp?__twitter_impression=true

This is assault and should be treated as such. The adults around this child failed him. This Black child had to have his hair publicly shorn on the order of a racist. The humiliation is palpable.

[RKP5637]

6. Reading the article, IMO, it's racism. n/t

[onecaliberal]

7. :