High School Basketball Coach Fired After Viral Hair-Pulling Incident
Jim Zullo, 81, was dismissed by the Northville Central School District after pulling the hair of star player Hailey Monroe following a championship game loss.
- The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, after Northville High School lost the Class D New York State championship game to LaFargeville.
- Video footage shows Zullo pulling senior Hailey Monroe's ponytail and berating her as she appeared visibly upset after fouling out of the game.
- Another player intervened during the incident to stop Zullo’s actions, which were broadcast on television and later went viral online.
- The Northville Central School District condemned Zullo’s behavior as 'completely unacceptable' and announced his immediate firing the following day.
- Zullo claimed Monroe swore at him after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team, which he said led to his reaction.
New York Post 
