NJ wrestlers will not be charged for lynching photo

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The New Jersey high-school wrestlers who found themselves in hot water after posting a photo to Instagram simulating a lynching have avoided criminal charges.

The photo showed the wrestlers gathered around a black dummy hanging from a noose that was dressed in a rival high school’s t-shirt. Some of the students wore hooded sweatshirts with what appeared to be cones underneath.

The group of seven Phillipsburg High School student athletes visible in the photo and the student who took the photo were suspended and were scratched from the state tournament.

The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday that no criminal charges will be filed against the eight students, reports the NY Daily News.

Shortly after the controversy, the wrestlers and their lawyer held a press conference apologizing for any harm they had caused.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.