School will no longer use ref who made wrestler cut dreadlocks

The referee who made national headlines by forcing a high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks before competing will no longer be used by the athlete’s school district.

Buena Regional School District Superintendent David Cappuccio said in a letter that referee Alan Maloney will not be used in any contests that include his school’s athletes. Earlier this month, Maloney forced high school wrestler Andrew Johnson to either cut his hair or forfeit his match.

Here’s the video, via Mike Frankel:

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

— Mike Frankel (@MikeFrankelJSZ) December 20, 2018

Johnson won his match but was visibly upset after the victory. The incident has prompted an investigation by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), which is trying to determine whether the referee correctly applied the rules. According to 6ABC, Maloney will not be given any assignments pending the conclusion of the investigation.

State rules say: “If an individual has hair longer than allowed it must be contained in a legal hair cover that is attached to the ear guards. The wrestler opting to wear a legal hair cover must wear it to the weigh-in procedure …” Johnson was not allowed to wear a head cover as an alternative.

The wrestler’s family, through its attorney, said the referee was late to weigh-ins, which is where a potential violation could have been identified and remedied.

Read more from 6ABC.