A New York high school basketball coach has been dismissed from his job after an incident following a state championship game was caught on camera and quickly spread online.
On March 21, Northville High School faced La Fargeville in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class D finals. The closely contested match ended with Northville falling short, 43-37. However, what happened after the game is now the bigger story.
High school basketball coach Jim Zullo confronting his players, Photo Credit: ABC 11/Youtube
Coach Caught on Camera Grabbing Player’s Hair
Following the emotional loss, Northville’s head coach, Jim Zullo, was seen approaching player Hailey Monroe in a tense exchange. In footage from the live-streamed event, Zullo grabbed Monroe’s ponytail before appearing to angrily reprimand her.
According to reports, Monroe had cursed at Zullo after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team. The coach’s response—physically pulling her hair while scolding her—set off a wave of backlash.
Student Hailey Monroe seen crying on court, Photo Credit: ABC 11/Youtube
Public Outrage Leads to Coach’s Firing
The shocking video spread rapidly on social media, drawing criticism from parents, students, and the wider public. The Northville Central School District acted swiftly, announcing that Zullo had been relieved of his coaching duties.
In a statement, the district condemned the behavior, saying it was "deeply disturbed" by what took place.
“The Northville Central School District is aware of, and deeply concerned by, the conduct of the Coach of the Girls’ Varsity basketball team during the Class D New York State championship game,” the statement read.
High school basketball coach Jim Zullo seen pulling Hailey Monroe's hair, Photo Credit: ABC 11/Youtube
“The District is devoted to ensuring that this type of behavior has no place within our programs, and we will continue to uphold the values of respect and integrity that our athletes, families, and community expect and deserve. This individual will no longer be coaching for the Northville Central School District.”
Zullo Issues Public Apology
After his termination, Zullo spoke out, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging that he had crossed a line.
“I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to La Fargeville Friday night in the Class D state championship game,” he said in a statement.
“As a coach, under no situation is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry. I wish I could have those moments back.”
High school basketball coach Jim Zullo confronting his players, Photo Credit: ABC 11/Youtube
Zullo went on to praise the team, saying he was proud of the players and what they had accomplished. Despite the controversy, he wished them success moving forward.
With Zullo now out of the picture, Northville’s administration will have to find a new leader for the girls’ basketball team as they work to move past this troubling incident.