Former Oklahoma State champion AJ Ferrari issues apology following scuffle
Former Oklahoma State national champion AJ Ferrari released a statement on Instagram apologizing for his actions at the Soldier Salute Tournament.
Ferrari, who just took an official visit to Iowa in a potential return to college wrestling, got into a scuffle with Iowa’s Zach Glazier. After winning his finals match in overtime, Ferrari was disqualified following pushing and shoving and eventually a punch thrown.
After letting the moment digest, Ferrari released a statement on his Instagram story.
“I would like to come out and formally say I am disappointed in my reaction this weekend,” Ferrari said. “I let my emotions get the best of me and that is something that I will continue to work on. Iowa has been good to me. I deeply regret my behavior.”
How that changes things on the Iowa front will be interesting. The Hawkeyes were considered the front-runners to land the 2021 national champion in his return to the mat, especially after landing a commitment from his youngest brother Angelo.
AJ Ferrari issues apology, could return in 2024
Ferrari, who’s been out of wrestling since midway through the 2021-22 season due to a car accident and eventually legal trouble, could be back this season.
AJ Ferrari won the 2021 197 pound NCAA title at Oklahoma State as a true freshman. The following season, he was 10-0 before he and cross country runner Isai Rodriguez were involved in a serious car accident.
After the wrestler was transported to the hospital for surgery, his season was over. But that wasn’t all for the controversial champion.
In July 5th, 2022, a woman filed for an emergency protective order against Ferrari after he allegedly sexually assaulted her three days earlier. By July 14th, Oklahoma State head coach John Smith confirmed he dismissed Ferrari from the program.
On August 3rd, 2022, Ferrari was charged with sexual battery in Payne County District Court. Earlier this year, on October 6th, his case was dismissed.
Ferrari has a 29-1 career record in his season-plus at Oklahoma State. En route to an NCAA title as a freshman, he defeated former Michigan star Myles Amine, who went on to win a Bronze Medal at the Olympics, before taking out Pitt’s Nino Bonaccorsi in the 197 pound finals.
There were rumors Ferrari could return this year, but by the second semester. As of now, he is not committed nor enrolled at a school, although it seems like Iowa is still the likely landing spot.