Maloney did not respond to requests for comment Saturday from The Press. A woman answering the phone at a listed number for Maloney told The Associated Press the ordeal was being blown out of proportion and the referee was simply following rules.

The incident was recorded and shared on Twitter by SNJ Today Sports Director Mike Frankel. The video quickly went viral.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association on Saturday issued a statement confirming state authorities are investigating the incident in concert with the Division on Civil Rights. Additionally, Maloney will not be assigned to any matches until the matter has been reviewed.

“As an African-American and parent — as well as a former educator, coach, official and athlete — I clearly understand 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,” NJSIAA Executive Director Larry White said in the statement.

According to the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, a wrestler’s hair “shall extend no lower than the top of an ordinary shirt collar in the back, shall not extend lower than earlobe level on the sides, and shall not extend below the eyebrows in the front.

+4 Buena wrestler forced to cut dreadlocks to compete, state Division of Civil Rights investigating Video of a referee ordering a Buena Regional High School wrestler to cut his hair before com…