High School Coach Fired After Pulling Player’s Ponytail in Viral Video

Jim Zullo, a Hall of Fame coach, has apologized after being dismissed for inappropriate behavior following a state championship game loss.

Jim Zullo, 81, was fired by Northville Central School District after video showed him pulling senior player Hailey Monroe's ponytail during a postgame incident.
The incident occurred after Northville High School lost the Class D state championship game to LaFargeville, leaving Monroe visibly emotional.
The district condemned Zullo’s actions as 'completely unacceptable' and pledged support for affected players and their families.
Zullo, a Hall of Fame coach with a decades-long career, publicly apologized, acknowledging his behavior was inappropriate and expressing regret.
The video, which went viral on social media, has drawn widespread criticism and raised discussions about the boundaries of coaching behavior.