Ref who forced HS wrestler to cut dreadlocks suspended 2 years

A referee who told a New Jersey high school wrestler he would have to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit a match has been suspended for two years.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced the decision Wednesday following an investigation into the December 2018 incident by the state's Division of Civil Rights, according to ESPN.

As a result of the investigation, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has also agreed to mandate implicit-bias training for high school athletics officials and staff.

"Student-athletes should be able to compete with each other on a level playing field," Grewal said. "Racial discrimination in the enforcement of the rules of any sport is inconsistent with the spirit of fair play."

Video of the incident showed Buena Regional High School wrestler Andrew Johnson, who's black, having his dreadlocks cut after being told by referee Alan Maloney, who's white, that he couldn't wrestle without a hair cover.

Maloney was previously accused of using a racial slur against another official at a social gathering in 2016. He said he didn't remember using the slur, but apologized and volunteered to participate in an alcohol awareness program and sensitivity training.