Did they deserve to be pulled out?

Eight wrestlers in New Jersey were removed from their upcoming District 1 State tournament for posting some controversial photos on the internet. According to The Grio, the white wrestlers posed with a black dummy wearing a Paulsboro High School T-shirt in a noose with two of the students rocking “pointed” hoods.

Philipsburg and Paulsboro are said to be competitive rivals in sports, especially in wrestling. The photos were sent to the state Division on Civil Rights after the photo surfaced Tuesday as part of their anti-bullying policy.

“The Division on Civil Rights is monitoring the respective responses of the school and the NJSIAA,” said a spokesman for the Attorney General’s office said in a press release. “The Division will review whether further investigation and action is appropriate.”

The students are supposedly going to speak on their actions in the photos. However, there hasn’t been a set date or time as of now. Meanwhile, the principal of Philipsburg High School has yet to officially comment on the situation.

“It’s a private student matter,” said Principal Gregory A. Troxell, “[And] no other Phillipsburg High official can comment on it.”

Did these students deserve to lose out on competing for the championship? Let us know how you feel.

Tony Centeno (@_tonyMC)