The Northville High School basketball coach pulled a female athlete’s hair from behind after the loss, and it went viral.
Days after he disgraced his image worldwide, a lip reader has finally broken down what Jim Zullo said during the heated moment.
The incident occurred on March 21, 2025. It happened following a loss to La Fargeville in the New York State Class D championship. Zullo was seen on video pulling the hair of his player, Hailey Monroe, which went viral and sparked significant backlash.
This altercation took place while the team awaited the medal presentation. Monroe appeared visibly upset and tearful after the game.
According to lip reader Nicole Hickling, Monroe’s teammate Ahmya Tompkins reacted to coach Zullo saying – “Leave her. That’s not okay.”
Northville High School fired girl's basketball coach Jim Zullo for yanking a player's ponytail after a loss.
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) March 22, 2025
How would you respond if this happened to your daughter?https://t.co/CYs4IZKiL8
However, Zullo kept his anger channeled at Monroe before Tompkins responded- “No, leave her.”
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After finding out her teammate confronting Monroe, Zullo said- “You shut it.”
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High School Basketball Coach Zullo Apologized For His Behaviour
The game, held on March 21, 2025, resulted in a close defeat for Northville, with a final score of 43-37 against La Fargeville.
Subsequent to the incident, Zullo was fired by the Northville Central School District within hours of the event.
In light of public outrage, the Northville Central School District swiftly terminated Zullo’s coaching position. The District also issued a statement that condemned his behavior and emphasized the importance of respect and integrity within their programs.
Following his firing, Zullo publicly apologized, acknowledging that his actions were inappropriate and expressing regret for what transpired. He expressed pride in his players and hoped for their continued success.
“As a coach, under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry. I wish I could have those moments back,” Zullo said.
NEW: Shocking: High School Coach Fired After Grabbing Player’s Ponytail Following Championship Loss
— MAGAgeddon (@MAGAgeddon) March 22, 2025
Northville High School girls' basketball coach Jim Zullo has been fired after footage showed him yanking senior Hailey Monroe’s hair following the team’s 43-37 defeat in the New… pic.twitter.com/1y2UTVS91g
On March 24, he was charged with harassment in the second degree, following a report by the Hudson Valley Community College Public Safety.
