Coach forces wrestler to cut his hair | What Would You Do? | WWYD

Overview

A viral incident involving a New Jersey high school wrestling team sparked a national debate about identity, racial discrimination, and who gets to enforce rules about a student’s appearance.

The video reenactment and coverage center on wrestler Andrew Johnson (referred to as “Corey” in the reenactment) and claims that a coach forced him to cut his dreadlocks/braids before a match. Johnson reportedly protested that the hair was part of who he is, arguing that refusal could cost him his spot on the team.

The “What Would You Do?” Barbershop Scenario

The segment is structured like a “What Would You Do?” case study, using hidden-camera style setup in a local barbershop. In the scenario, a coach pressures a young Black wrestler to cut his hair, warning: “or you’re off the team.”

Viewers are asked to weigh two perspectives:

• The coach’s position: it’s “just hair” and a matter of team rules.
• The wrestler’s position: the demand carries deeper meaning—especially due to the racial element and the humiliation of being treated as though his natural hair is unacceptable.

Public Reaction and Reported Consequences

The coverage highlights public reaction and stated fallout. It notes that school officials or a superintendent indicated that referees would no longer officiate contests involving student athletes from that district, pointing to institutional consequences.

A recurring theme is that hair-policing can feel uncomfortable and discriminatory for many, and the segment emphasizes the importance of advocacy and visibility.

People Who Get Involved

The barbershop segment features multiple participants choosing to respond, reinforcing the program’s moral focus:

• A former wrestling coach/guest explains why he opposes the behavior, calling it “nonsense” to police children’s hair.
• An Olympic-level wrestling writer/commentator, Jordan Burroughs, is referenced as speaking out publicly and urging protection for the young athlete.
• Bystanders and a shop owner push back, advise calling the wrestler’s mother, and challenge the coach’s authority.

Climax and Message

The segment culminates in a confrontation-like moment where a parent figure steps in, stressing that if someone bullies her child, it becomes her responsibility to intervene—even if the person causing harm claims it’s “just the rules.”

The video’s stated takeaway is:

Speak up, support vulnerable people, and do the right thing even if it costs something.

Presenters / Contributors

• John Quinones (host; appears in the segment and closes with a message to viewers)
• Jordan Burroughs (referenced; Olympian/world champion who spoke out on social media)
• Andrew Johnson (student referenced in the viral real-world incident)
• Coach / Trainer (various individuals in the reenactment/coverage)
• Additional barbershop participants/bystanders and a parent (mother)