Illinois: Wrestler sucker-punches opponent after loss in Oak Park
The investigation was launched after video showed the 8th grade wrestler faking a handshake and punching his opponent after a recent match, according to TMZ Sports.
The incident occurred at River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois on April 8 after reports emerged of a SPAR Academy wrestler who won the 125-128 pound freestyle third place match at the ‘Beat The Streets’ tournament and had a bloody nose afterwards. the match is over. The 14-2 winner attempted to shake hands with his opponent before the offender suddenly punched him in the face.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim and her parents, as well as the offender and his parents. The victim’s parents refused to transport him by ambulance and asked for the incident to be documented, although they initially did not press charges at the time.
One of the parents later contacted police on April 11 with the intent to press charges, although none had been filed as of Tuesday (April 18), according to FOX 32 Chicago.
The victim has since been required to wear a face mask during the events while his nose continues to heal.
“He’s making the most of the situation and he’s already back in training,” SPAR Academy founder Justin Pearch told TMZ Sports on Tuesday. “As you may know, wrestling matches can be heated, but nothing leading up to a strike would cause such poor decision making on the part of the opponent.
“This is not tolerated in our sport and SPAR Wrestling will never tolerate this behavior,” added Pearch.
