Wrestling Ref Readies Suit Following Dreadlocks Controversy

Jason Scott Headshot

The wrestling referee at the center of what became a national controversy has reportedly taken the first steps toward filing a lawsuit for defamation and emotional distress.

In December 2018, New Jersey wrestling referee Alan Maloney made a high school wrestler choose between forfeiting a match or cutting his dreadlocks. The wrestler, Andrew Johnson, decided to allow his hair to be cut, but was clearly distressed about it according to video of the incident. Many who saw the video believed that Maloney’s insistence that the Johnson cut his hair was racially biased. After the incident, Maloney was barred by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association from officiating meets pending the outcome of investigations by the organization and the state Division of Civil Rights.

Log in to view the full article
Page 1 of 469
Next Page
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide