Ref who forced wrestler to cut his dreadlocks plans possible lawsuit

The New Jersey referee who was sidelined after forcing a student wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit the match reportedly plans to file a lawsuit claiming “emotional distress” experienced in the aftermath of the incident.

Referee Alan Maloney sent a tort claim notice this month to a dozen possible defendants, alleging he has suffered $100,000 in damages over defamation of character and emotional distress, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The suit stems from Maloney forcing Buena Regional student and wrestler Andrew Johnson to cut his dreadlocks during match that took place last December. A video of incident shows Johnson having his dreads chopped off on the sideline, which went viral and sparked criticism for Maloney.

{mosads}Maloney, who makes roughly $84 for each match he works, was subsequently barred from officiating any further events until investigators by state civil rights and interscholastic athletic association officials were completed.

Maloney defended his decision to have Johnson cut his hair or forfeit the match, saying at the time that Johnson did not have a sanctioned covering for his long hair.

“Mr. Maloney properly performed his duties as the referee and fairly applied the rules governing a wrestling match,” Maloney wrote in the notice, according to the Inquirer.

The claim notice names the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and Buena School District officials and coaches.

The notice is dated March 6 and was reportedly received by officials last week. Filed personally by Maloney, the notice preserves his right to possibly file a lawsuit in the future.

David Cappuccio, superintendent of the Buena School District, declined to comment to the Inquirer.

A spokesperson for the athletic association investigating Maloney and the incident told the Inquirer the investigation is ongoing and more interviews are scheduled.