High School Wrestler Forced By Referee To Cut Dreadlocks Or Be Forced To Forfeit Match

High School Wrestler Forced By Referee To Cut Dreadlocks Or Be Forced To Forfeit Match

A high school wrestler by the name of Andrew Johnson, who competed on the wrestling team at Buena Regional, was forced to have an unprepared haircut during a match on Thursday (Dec. 20). Referee Alan Maloney stated Johnson would need to cut his dreadlocks or he would not be able to compete in the match. A reporter, named Mike Frankel, from the local news station in Southern Jersey shared a video of Johnson getting snipped:

Epitome of a team player ??

A referee wouldn't allow Andrew Johnson of Buena @brhschiefs to wrestle with a cover over his dreadlocks. It was either an impromptu haircut, or a forfeit. Johnson chose the haircut, then won by sudden victory in OT to help spark Buena to a win. pic.twitter.com/f6JidKNKoI

— Mike Frankel (@MikeFrankelSNJ) December 20, 2018

Epitome of a team player. A referee wouldn’t allow Andrew Johnson of Buena @brhschiefs to wrestle with a cover over his dreadlocks. It was either an impromptu haircut, or a forfeit. Johnson chose the haircut, then won by sudden victory in OT to help spark Buena to a win.

After the clip attracted 4.4 million views (and counting), the reporter provided some background about what transpired before Johnson was faced with an ultimatum,

The wrestlers coaches argued the referee’s decision for several minutes, until the referee started the injury time clock. At this point, the wrestler removed the cap, and agreed to have his hair cut.

Celebrities and activists have weighed in on the issue. Check out some of their reactions below.