High school basketball coach fired for yanking player’s ponytail after state title loss

NORTHVILLE, N.Y. — A high school girls basketball coach was fired after he was caught on video yanking a player’s ponytail following his team’s loss in the New York Class D state championship game.

Northville Central School District confirmed that head coach Jim Zullo was terminated after the postgame confrontation with senior Hailey Monroe, who appeared to have her hair pulled by the coach while the team lined up to shake hands.

NEW: High school basketball coach fired after yanking a girl's ponytail following their loss in the New York Class D state championship game.

Good job on the girl standing next to the victim (number 24?) for standing up to this thug.

The Northville Central School District says… pic. /we5XA7k5Ty
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025

In a statement released by the district, officials said, “We assure the public that this matter is being taken extremely seriously, and the District is actively addressing it.”

The incident occurred in full view of the crowd and cameras. In a viral clip circulating on social media, a teammate — believed to be wearing jersey number 24 — is seen stepping between Zullo and Monroe immediately after the contact.

According to Zullo, the altercation escalated when Monroe allegedly directed an expletive at him. The coach did not deny making contact but suggested it was in response to provocation.

The district added it is working directly with the students involved. “The District will be following up with the affected players and their families to provide support and outline the actions we are taking in response to this incident,” the statement read.

The team had just finished second in the state final before the incident unfolded, casting a shadow over the end of their playoff run.

Northville’s school board has not indicated whether any further disciplinary measures or legal actions will follow.

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