High school basketball coach fired, cited for harassment after pulling player's hair
High school basketball coach fired, cited for harassment after pulling player's hair
A high school basketball coach from a small upstate New York town made national headlines this week after he was caught on camera pulling a teenage player's hair.
Jim Zullo, 81, came out of retirement in 2023 after a prolific career that landed him a spot in the state hall of fame to coach the Northville High School girls' basketball team.
The incident occurred on Friday at the girls' basketball Class D state championship. The Northville Falcons lost 43-48 to the La Fargeville Red Knights, upsetting senior Hailey Monroe, who was seen crying on the National Federation of State High School Association's livestream of the game.
Upon seeing her emotional state while the teams waited for medal presentation, Zullo responded by grabbing Monroe's ponytail and yanking it before seemingly scolding her. Another player can be seen in the video intervening, putting herself between Zullo and Monroe. The second player, who Albany-area news outlet WNYT identified as Zullo's niece Ahmya Tompkins, and the coach can then be seen exchanging words.
Here's what we know about the now-viral video.
Who is Jim Zullo?
Jim Zullo began coaching more than four decades ago, having been inducted into the state Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He spent 26 years at Shenendehowa, winning the state title in 1987.
Zullo has been part of New York High School basketball for more than four decades, retiring in 1999 only to come back to coach in 2023, when he began coaching the Northville High School girls' basketball team.
He amassed more than 500 wins in his career, leading the Falcons to the state championship game two years in a row after coming out of retirement.
See video of the incident
Northville High School girls' basketball coach Jim Zullo pulled player Hailey Monroe's hair after their loss in the New York Class D state championship game.
The school district released a statement that the coach was promptly fired and would never coach in the district again.… pic.twitter.com/NGMuwC9uxq — Just Women's Sports (@justwsports) March 24, 2025
Zullo apologizes, says he regrets behavior
On Sunday, Zullo issued a public apology to WNYT. He also told News10 that the player had uttered an expletive toward him when he told her to shake opponents' hands after the game
"I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to La Fargeville Friday night in the Class D state championship game. 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," Zullo's statement reads.
"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."
Zullo fired, cited for harassment
Zullo was fired after the video began gaining wider attention. The Northville school district posted a statement on Sunday, saying it was "aware of, and deeply disturbed by," Zullo's behavior.
"We hold our coaches to the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect for our student-athletes, and this behavior is completely unacceptable," the statement continued.
"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."
Hudson Valley Community College, where Friday's game was played, is investigating the incident along with local law enforcement, according to a Facebook post made by the college's public safety department on Saturday. Another statement posted Monday said a complaint for second-degree harassment had been filed on Sunday and Zullo was issued a court appearance ticket. The charge is a misdemeanor.
New York State Public High School Sports Athletic Association releases statement
The New York State Public High School Sports Athletic Association also issued a statement Monday.
'The NYSPHSAA commends the swift action taken in response to this incident, including the immediate termination of the coach involved," executive director Dr. Robert Zayas said. "At NYSPHSAA, we uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and the well-being of our student-athletes. It is unfortunate that this incident has diverted attention from what should be the primary focus — the incredible achievements and dedication of the student-athletes throughout the season. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence deserve to be celebrated as the true representation of high school athletics.'
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