Hall of Fame Coach Fired After Hair-Pulling Incident with Star Player

Jim Zullo, 81, was dismissed after a viral video showed him yanking senior Hailey Monroe's ponytail following a state championship loss.

Jim Zullo, longtime coach at Northville High School, was fired after pulling the ponytail of senior player Hailey Monroe during a postgame confrontation.
The incident occurred after Northville's loss to LaFargeville in the Class D state championship, with Monroe visibly upset after fouling out of the game.
A viral video captured Zullo berating Monroe, prompting another player, Ahmya Tompkins, to intervene and defend her teammate.
The Northville Central School District condemned Zullo's actions as 'completely unacceptable' and announced support for affected players and families.
Zullo, a New York State Basketball Hall of Famer, issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions were wrong and expressing regret for the incident.