High School Basketball Coach Fired After Viral Hair-Pulling Incident

Jim Zullo, 81, was dismissed by the Northville Central School District after pulling the hair of star player Hailey Monroe following a championship game loss.

The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, after Northville High School lost the Class D New York State championship game to LaFargeville.
Video footage shows Zullo pulling senior Hailey Monroe's ponytail and berating her as she appeared visibly upset after fouling out of the game.
Another player intervened during the incident to stop Zullo’s actions, which were broadcast on television and later went viral online.
The Northville Central School District condemned Zullo’s behavior as 'completely unacceptable' and announced his immediate firing the following day.
Zullo claimed Monroe swore at him after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team, which he said led to his reaction.