Alan Maloney, a white New Jersey referee, who forced Andrew Johnson, a Black high school wrestler, to cut off his dreadlocks during a match has been barred from further officiating as an investigation takes place.
New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association
published a statement on Twitter following the racist incident at Buena Regional High School, in Buena, N.J., confirming that Maloney has been benched:
“Given the degree of attention being focused on this matter, the NJSIAA will recommend to chapter officials that the referee in question not be assigned to any event until this matter has been reviewed more thoroughly.”
Related Story: Racist High School Ref Forces Black Wrestler to Cut Dreadlocks
The video of Johnson having his dreadlocks cut off has gone viral. Maloney has a history of racism, once calling a Black referee a racial slur.
Racist Ref makes Wrestler cut dreads or lose – Andrew Johnson forced to cut his Locs by Alan Maloney
youtu.be
On Saturday, Jordan Burroughs, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, made several posts on Twitter in reaction to the incident, saying he had never seen anything like it in his 25 years of wrestling.
A thread: I’m sure a lot of you have heard about the young man who was forced to cut his hair during a wrestling match in order to avoid being disqualified. That young man is Andrew Johnson of Buena High School in New Jersey. Let me start off by saying, I commend Andrew for
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
stepping up, and being selfless, cutting his hair and getting the final takedown in over time to win his match and help his team secure the dual victory. Now, let me tell you how sickening this is. I’ve been wrestling for 25 years, at every level, and I have never
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
once seen a person required to cut their hair during a match. This is nonsense. As a referee, you are required to check the hair and nails of all wrestlers BEFORE a match. My opinion is that this was a combination of an abuse of power, racism, and just plain negligence.
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
As heroic as it was for Andrew to step up in the midst of what was happening, it shouldn’t have got that far. The parents and coaches of the Buena wrestling team should have intervened. This young man should have been protected in this moment. I’m sure his hair was a strong part
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
of his identity, and no single victory is worth succumbing to the pressure of unjust oppression and the unwarranted stripping of that identity. Just watch Andrew’s emotion after the match clinching takedown –he was somber, knowing that he had just given up so much for so little.
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
Sometimes taking a stand for something doesn’t actually mean standing, but walking away from it. As for the referee Alan Maloney, he needs to be held accountable. You’ve been refereeing for far too long to not know better. But more than being reprimanded, I truly hope this event
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
causes you to reflect and make an attempt to truly understand. In an occupation that requires so much interaction with young men, your character should reflect your power. Andrew — I am wishing the best for you and your family. I’m so sorry you had to go through this.
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold)
December 22, 2018
Reader Question: Jordan Burroughs said, “Just watch Andrew’s emotion after the match clinching takedown — he was somber, knowing that he had just given up so much for so little.” Do you agree
