Some games have a lot on the line, and sports may get really heated at times. Their coaches and other related personnel are just as concerned as the athletes themselves.
This sentiment can occasionally turn toxic, as seen by an event that occurred during a high school game.
Read on to find out more.
The basketball team from Northville High School fell to La Fargeville 43-37 in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D championships on March 21, 2025.
A startling scene was captured on camera during the live-streaming of the event. It has now gone viral and confused a lot of people. Jim Zullo, the coach of Northville High School, was spotted tugging athlete Hailey Monroe’s ponytail.
Before he started verbally berating Monroe, the coach, who appeared furious by the defeat, went over to tug her hair.
Monroe reportedly cursed at the coach after he instructed her to shake hands with the other squad. Zullo was fired right away after the footage of him yanking the student’s hair went viral.
The situation was handled by the school district. “The behavior of the girls’ varsity basketball coach during the Class D New York State championship game is something that the Northville Central School District is aware of and extremely disturbed by,” the school stated.
“The District is dedicated to making sure that this kind of conduct has no place in our programs, and we will keep upholding the integrity and respect that our athletes, families, and community deserve and expect.” The Northville Central School District will no longer have this person as a coach.
Jim Zullo then apologized personally for the incident as well. “I sincerely apologize for my actions after the Class D state championship game loss to La Fargeville on Friday night,” he stated.
He started by expressing his deepest regret to Hailey and her family, our staff, the kind people at Northville Central Schools, and our neighborhood.
“I really apologize, but as a coach, it is never acceptable for me to touch a player. I long for those times to return. I am thankful that I have had the chance to coach girls basketball at Northville for the past two years, particularly during the challenging season for our family,” he continued.
“I am incredibly proud of all of these young ladies and their accomplishments. He said, “I wish them well and know they will all go on to do great things.”
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