No lawsuit from family of wrestler forced to cut dreads

BUENA — An attorney for the high school wrestler forced by a referee to cut his dreadlocks before a match to avoid a forfeit says the boy's family won't pursue legal action.

The Buena Regional school board held an emergency meeting Wednesday night.

The board said the Buena High School wrestling team won't compete in events officiated by referee Alan Maloney.

Wrestler Andrew Johnson had his dreadlocks cut minutes before the match Dec. 19.

Johnson, who is black, had a cover over his hair, but Maloney, who is white, said that wouldn't do. Maloney didn't respond to requests for comment.

At Wednesday's packed meeting, the school's board said its investigation into the incident is ongoing. WCAU-TV reported that the high school's wrestling coach and athletic trainer discussed the incident with board members behind closed doors Wednesday.

The Press of Atlantic City reported that Johnson's family didn't attend the meeting.