Referee in HS wrestling dreadlocks controversy files legal claim notice
A referee who told a New Jersey high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his bout has filed a legal claim preserving his right to a possible lawsuit.
•
Mar 19, 2019, 9:53 PM
•
Updated 1,956 days ago
Share:
(AP) - A referee who told a New Jersey high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his bout has filed a legal claim preserving his right to a possible lawsuit.
The tort claim notice sent by referee Alan Maloney to a dozen possible defendants alleges $100,000 damages, defamation of character and emotional distress.
Buena Regional student Andrew Johnson had his dreadlocks cut minutes before the Dec. 19 match. Johnson, who is black, had a hair covering, but Maloney, who is white, said that wouldn't do.
RELATED: NJ lawmaker proposes law to require coaches to get sensitivity training
RELATED: Family of wrestler who cut dreadlocks won't seek legal action
RELATED: State Civil Rights Division to look into HS wrestler forced to cut dreadlocks
RELATED: Family of wrestler who cut dreadlocks won't seek legal action
RELATED: State Civil Rights Division to look into HS wrestler forced to cut dreadlocks
Maloney has been barred from officiating pending investigations by state civil rights and interscholastic athletic association officials.
In New Jersey, a notice of tort must be filed within 90 days of an incident.
Maloney hasn't responded to requests for comment. The school superintendent declined comment.
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
