Watch: Referee Forced High School Wrestler to Cut Off Dreadlocks Before Match
WHAT?!
Referee Alan Maloney would not let the wrestler proceed with the match unless his dreadlocks were cut off.
Matt Roberts/Getty
A New Jersey referee forced a high school wrestler to cut off his dreadlocks before his Thursday night match, NJ.com reports. Referee Alan Maloney reportedly would not let Buena High School wrestler Andrew Johnson proceed with his match unless his dreadlocks were cut off. According to the website, Johnson reportedly opted to get his hair cut after his coach's argued with Maloney. An athletic trainer then reportedly chopped his hair with scissors on the wrestling mat. Johnson reportedly went on to win the match. NJ.com reports Maloney also used a racist slur at a social gathering in 2016, and he was subsequently “slammed... to the ground” by a black official. The New Jersey athletic association has reportedly asked for Maloney to be sidelined until further notice, and the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights as opened an investigation into the matter.
Epitome of a team player ⬇️
A referee wouldn't allow Andrew Johnson of Buena @brhschiefs to wrestle with a cover over his dreadlocks. It was either an impromptu haircut, or a forfeit. Johnson chose the haircut, then won by sudden victory in OT to help spark Buena to a win. pic.twitter.com/f6JidKNKoI
