The referee who faced a backlash after ordering a Buena Regional High School wrestler to cut his dreadlocks to avoid forfeiting a match, has filed a legal claim alleging defamation of character and emotional distress according to a tort notice obtained by the Courier Post.

Wrestling official Alan Maloney filed a tort notice preserving his right to sue 12 possible defendants, including the Buena Regional School District, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Association, Buena athletic director David Albertson and Buena wrestling coach George Maxwell.

Buena Regional School District superintendent David Cappuccio Jr. said he couldn't comment on the matter due to legalities involved.

Maloney has been barred from officiating meets pending investigations by the NJSIAA and the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights.

“As a precautionary measure, given the degree of attention being focused on this matter, the NJSIAA will recommend to chapter officials that the referee in question not be assigned to any event until this matter has been reviewed more thoroughly in order to avoid potential distractions for the competing wrestlers,” NJSIAA Larry White said in a statement.

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The controversy erupted at a match against Absegami on Dec. 19 when Maloney told Buena wrestler Andrew Johnson to cover his dreadlocks with a hair cap — which Johnson did not have — or cut his hair. Otherwise, Johnson would have to forfeit the match.

Johnson opted for the haircut. A video of Johnson's dreadlocks being cut before the match prompted outrage when it was posted on social media.

“To the extent referee Alan Maloney plans to ever file a claim as a victim in this incident is outright absurd. His description of events misstates the facts and the applicable rules, both of which show that Andrew should have been permitted to wrestle - just as he did four days earlier - without a hair covering, without having to first cut his hair, and without Maloney’s unjustified interference.” Johnson's attorney, Dominic A. Speziali, said in a statement.

Sheri Berkery: @SheriBerkery; 856-486-2673; sberkery@gannettnj.com