See How NJ Ref With Alleged Racist Past Made Teen Cut Dreadlocks

A video shows how a referee with a reportedly racist past drew criticism this week when he made a New Jersey high school wrestler cut his dreadlocks in full public view. The referee was sidelined as state officials investigate the incident.

Referee Alan Maloney told Johnson that he had to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his match during a dual meet Thursday, according to state officials.

Gov. Phil Murphy even weighed in on the matter, saying he was "deeply disturbed that Andrew Johnson, a student at Buena Regional High School, was forced to choose between keeping his dreadlocks and competing in a wrestling tournament."

"No student should have to needlessly choose between his or her identity and playing sports," Murphy said in a tweet.

A school trainer cut Johnson's hair while he was on the mat. Here is the video:

Maloney reportedly used a racial slur at a social gathering of officials in 2016, according to the Courier-Post. He used the slur in an argument over homemade wine in a Jersey Shore condominium, prompting another official, Preston Hamilton, who is black, to slam Maloney to the ground.

“You know, people do make mistakes and I apologized," Maloney told the Courier-Post at the time. "I really don’t think this should go any further than it’s gone anyhow. … The remark was not made to him. After he told me what I said, it was pertaining to us breaking each other’s stones. … I didn’t remember it. I was told it. I believed it and said, ‘Yo, that ain’t me.’ That’s when I called him right away and that’s when he told me we were good.”

Larry White, executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, confirmed that those groups that assign high school wrestling referees in New Jersey "will not assign the referee in question until this matter has been thoroughly reviewed."

"This will help to avoid disruption of events for student athletes," he said.

White, speaking as an African-American and parent, said he clearly understands the issues at play, "and probably better than most. The NJSIAA takes this matter very seriously, and I ask that everyone respect the investigatory process related to all parties involved.”

The NJSIAA had earlier released a statement saying it has been in direct contact with school officials and was awaiting official incident reports. A report also has been requested from the referee involved.

In addition, the NJSIAA says it has provided initial information to the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and will continue to send updates as they become available.

"Regulations regarding hair length and legal hair covers for wrestlers are provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations," the statement read. "At this point, the NJSIAA is working to determine the exact nature of the incident and whether an infraction occurred."

Complaints against officials are heard first by the officials' association and then can be appealed to the NJSIAA Controversies Committee.

YouTube video/photos