NORTHVILLE, N.Y. — In a swift response to an incident during a New York girls basketball state championship, a coach found himself relieved of his duties just hours after pulling a player’s ponytail. This occurrence followed a tough loss for the team, prompting the coach to issue a heartfelt apology on Sunday for what he described as unacceptable behavior.
Jim Zullo, who had been the head coach for the Northville Central girls’ basketball team, was dismissed from his position after video clips captured the moment he pulled player Hailey Monroe’s hair. This took place shortly after their team was defeated by La Fargeville in the Class D state final, with a score of 43-37 on Friday night.
In a statement expressing his remorse, initially obtained by a local television station, Zullo said, “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.”
He acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “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.”
The pulling occurred during the traditional postgame ceremony, which involved handshakes between the competing teams and the bestowal of awards at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.
At 81, Zullo had an extensive coaching career, having led Northville for two seasons and guiding the team to the state finals both times. Prior to this role, he garnered success coaching boys, clinching a state championship with Shenendehowa High in 1987, before taking up coaching the girls’ team in Northville in 2023. He joined Northville partly due to his late wife’s encouragement while she was battling cancer. Sadly, she passed away during the 2023-24 season.
Expressing gratitude for his stint at Northville, Zullo remarked, “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.”
Following the incident, Northville school district quickly communicated its stance, emphasizing the seriousness with which they are treating the matter. The district ensured the public that the situation is receiving their active attention and appropriate steps are being taken.