Family of Wrestler Forced To Cut His Hair Releases Statement, Incident Under Investigation

Last week, a referee sparked national outrage after he instructed a Buena Regional High School wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his match against his Oakcrest opponent. Now, after video of the incident went viral, the parents of the Buena wrestler are addressing the situation and subsequent support. 

On Monday morning, Charles and Rosa Johnson, the parents of high school junior Andrew Johnson, released a statement via their lawyer Dominic A. Speziali, saying, the family “expressed immense, heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming show of support for their son.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Andrew has been deeply moved by the thunderous outpouring of unsolicited support —  including from an Olympic wrestler, leading civil rights advocates and elected officials — after the shocking pre-match ultimatum,” the statement said, as it detailed the rules and regulations of the sport. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“The scholastic wrestling rules clearly state that referees are to inspect wrestlers’ appearance and determine any rules violations prior to the start of the meet, typically during weigh-ins,” the statement continued, adding that the ref, in question, missed the match’s weigh-ins. 

“When he did evaluate Andrew, he failed to raise any issues with the length of his hair or the need to wear a head covering,” Speziali adding, highlighting the fact that the ref then instructed both Andrew and his younger brother, Nate, to wear head coverings or be disqualified. But, when the ref examined Andrew before the match, he once again rejected his appearance, and provided the final ultimatum to cut his hair or forfeit over the wrestler’s failure to have his hair in “its natural state.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“Under duress but without any influence from the coaching staff or the athlete trainer, Andrew decided to have his hair cut rather than forfeit the match,” which he won. But, due to the ref’s gross misconduct, the matter is under investigation.

“As this matter is further investigated, the family wants to be clear that they are supportive of Andrew’s coaches and the team’s athletic trainer,” Speziali explained. “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 rate-related transgression.”