The former coach of a high school girls' basketball team who was dismissed after being filmed pulling a player’s ponytail has spoken publicly for the first time since the incident.
Jim Zullo, 81, was captured on video pulling the ponytail of Northville High School standout Hailey Monroe following a championship game. The footage, which quickly spread online, sparked widespread attention and criticism.
::: HIGH SCHOOL COACH FIRED :::
Coach Jim Zullo was FIRED after being caught on camera pulling the hair of a player.
The incident happened after his team lost the New York Class D state championship game.
And watch that amazing young woman stand up for her friend! pic.twitter.com/OAEsKFt6s0
— Robbie Harvey (@therobbieharvey) March 22, 2025
In a statement shared with WNYT on March 23rd, Zullo expressed deep remorse over his actions in the aftermath of Northville’s loss to La Fargeville. “I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family,” he said, also extending his apology to the entire team and staff at Northville Central Schools.
“As a coach, under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry,” Zullo stated. “I wish I could have those moments back.”
He went on to share his appreciation for his time coaching the team, particularly during what he described as a difficult time for his family. “I am super proud of every one of these young women and what they accomplished,” he said. “I know each of them will go on to do great things, and I wish them well.”
According to reports, the incident occurred after Monroe fouled out of the game. As she stood visibly upset on the sidelines, Zullo approached and pulled her ponytail—a moment clearly seen in the video. The footage also shows another player stepping in, appearing to place herself between Zullo and Monroe.
WNYT later identified the player who intervened as Ahmya Tompkins, one of Zullo’s nieces and a member of the team.
In a separate statement to ABC affiliate News 10, Zullo claimed that Monroe had directed an expletive at him after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team.
After the video began circulating on social media, the Northville Central School District issued a statement condemning Zullo’s behavior. “This individual will no longer be coaching for the Northville Central School District,” the statement read, adding that the district found the conduct “deeply disturbing.”
