A New York high school basketball coach, who was fired for yanking a player’s ponytail during a championship game, has made a public apology, admitting his actions were unacceptable. Jim Zullo, the now former coach of Northville Central’s girls’ basketball team, was let go after a video caught him yanking player Hailey Monroe’s hair after their team “loss to La Fargeville” 43-37 in the Class D state championship on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
Coach Regrets His Behavior and Apologizes
Zullo, 81, was deeply apologetic about the incident, extending his “sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family,” as well as to “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,” he said. “I wish I could have those moments back.”
He also thought back on the time spent with the team and said, “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.”
Incident Caught on Camera Sparks Outrage
The fight broke out at Hudson Valley Community College while Northville players observed La Fargeville celebrating their championship win. Monroe, clearly distraught after losing the title game for the second consecutive year, was the recipient of Zullo’s tirade when she pulled her hair. Another player, Ahmya Tompkins, tried to step in.
The Northville school district quickly acted, saying that the coach’s actions “deeply disturbed” them and affirming that he would “no longer be coaching” for the team.
Zullo Initially Defended His Actions
Before apologizing, Zullo first defended himself, asserting Monroe cursed at him when he told her to shake hands with the other team. The altercation was subsequently recorded on video.
Despite the controversy, Zullo had a storied coaching career. He guided Northville to the state championship in his two seasons as coach and had decades of success coaching boys’ teams before working with girls in 2023.
Zullo accepted the Northville coaching position at the urging of his wife, who was fighting cancer. His wife died during the 2023-24 season, the Associated Press stated.
