He has issues that go deeper than wrestling. As mentioned before, he shows signs of a histrionic personality disorder tendency combined with a middle child dynamic. He talks about Jesus yet tries to imitate a ghetto lifestyle on the mat, disrespecting opponents at a school event just to satisfy his need for attention. Then he apologizes, only to repeat the same behavior again and again.

You would think he would have some respect for someone who has faced the same adversity in the sport as he has. But the fact that Justice was visibly annoyed when his opponent requested medical assistance during the match while the Toppenish crowd heckled the injured wrestler shows that his environment encourages this kind of behavior. Maybe he enjoys being part of that toxic culture and then playing the victim when it suits him.

Justice is incredibly privileged compared to most. His dad is a coach, a Washington state director, and has the key to the high school gym, giving him unlimited practice access. He has top-tier training partners at his disposal, whether through his dad’s connections or just his own brothers. If he needs to compete in a tournament, his dad has the financial resources, whether through donations or state funding, to make it happen. He has both parents at home who seem to love each other and a beautiful family.

There is absolutely no reason for him to act this way, especially when he has advantages that most kids do not. It is unfortunate, but to each their own. Ultimately, this was the referee’s fault for allowing it to happen. If this kind of behavior is permitted, it is sad that wrestlers and their families have to deal with it at an event of this magnitude.

Mr. Matt at Washington Wrestling Network, if the things Justice did in the final match and throughout the season happened to a kid you coach, a family member, a friend, a brother, or a sister, whether in a final or a round robin, you would not be saying, “That is what the sport needs.” You would not be excusing it just because he tricked you into thinking he was a “humble” kid. Do not call people crazy for recognizing Justice for what he is, a confused kid, a product of his environment, with no one he respects enough to correct him.

Respect is not outdated, it should be protected for the good of the community and passed down to future generations. High school wrestling is not the new UFC, nor is it about how many titles a family has to justify bad behavior. If this kind of conduct became the norm, many volunteers, families, wrestlers, coaches, and programs would walk away from the sport. Be mindful of what you say because you have the power to influence young minds. Disrespecting opponents is not elevating the sport. Celebrating is one thing, but what Justice did in that match was something else entirely. The entire Tacoma Dome recognized it, not just the Orting crowd, and the fact that one kid was booed out of a crowd that large is a record he holds; one he should not be proud of, though I am guessing he is.