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High School Basketball Coach Fired After Hair-Pulling Incident Caught on Video

Jim Zullo, 81, was dismissed by the Northville Central School District after pulling a player’s ponytail following a state championship loss.

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A high school basketball coach has been fired after he pulled a girl’s hair.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 15: A detailed view of a Wilson brand official NBA game ball basketball on the court during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena on March 15, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

Overview

  • Jim Zullo, a longtime Northville High School basketball coach, was fired after a video showed him pulling the ponytail of star player Hailey Monroe postgame.
  • The incident occurred after Northville’s loss in the Class D state championship game, with Monroe visibly upset and crying at the time.
  • The Northville Central School District condemned Zullo’s actions as 'completely unacceptable' and pledged to support affected players and families.
  • Prominent figures like Brett Favre and Reggie Miller criticized the coach’s behavior, fueling broader discussions on coaching ethics and boundaries.
  • Zullo, who had a decorated 40-year coaching career and was inducted into the state’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, defended his actions by claiming Monroe swore at him.