The high school basketball coach, who was terminated for pulling a student’s ponytail, has now publicly apologized.
In a game on Friday, March 21, Northville High School faced off against La Fargeville in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D finals. La Fargeville emerged victorious with a score of 43-37.
The match was live-streamed, capturing a startling moment post-game when Northville coach Jim Zullo was seen pulling on the ponytail of player Hailey Monroe.
Monroe appeared emotional after the team’s defeat, which was followed by Zullo pulling her hair and scolding her.
It has been reported that Monroe had cursed at Zullo after he instructed her to shake hands with their opponents.
Watch the shocking incident here:
The footage quickly spread across the internet, leading to Zullo’s dismissal from his coaching position.
The Northville Central School District addressed the situation.
“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 stated, according to NBC News.
“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.”
Zullo has since issued an apology, acknowledging that his behavior was unacceptable.
“I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to La Fargeville Friday night in the Class D state championship game,” Zullo stated, as reported by WNYT.
“I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family, our team, the good folks at Northville Central Schools and our community.
“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. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached girls basketball at Northville the past two years, especially last season, which was a difficult time for our family.
“I am super proud of every one of these young women and what they accomplished. I know each of them will go on to do great things and I wish them well.”