A high school basketball coach has been fired after a shocking moment caught on camera showed him pulling a player’s hair following a championship game loss.
On Friday, March 21, Northville High School’s girls’ basketball team lost to La Fargeville in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D finals, with a final score of 43-37. After the game, an emotional scene unfolded on the court when Northville coach Jim Zullo approached senior player Hailey Monroe, pulled her ponytail, and appeared to berate her.
The incident, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral, sparking outrage from parents, students, and viewers. Reports suggest Monroe had sworn at Zullo after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team.
The Northville Central School District wasted no time in responding to the incident, releasing a statement that condemned Zullo’s behavior:
“The Northville Central School District is aware of, and deeply disturbed by, the conduct of the Coach of the Girls’ Varsity basketball team during the Class D New York State championship game. The District is committed 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.”
Following the backlash, Zullo has issued an apology, admitting that his actions were unacceptable.
“I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to La Fargeville Friday night in the Class D state championship game,” Zullo said in a statement. “I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family, our team, the good folks at Northville Central Schools, and our community.”
He continued, “As a coach, under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry. I wish I could have those moments back.”
Despite his apology, the damage had already been done. The viral footage has left many questioning the pressure and expectations placed on high school coaches and student-athletes. Monroe has yet to publicly respond to the situation.
