The outrageous incident occurred after the team for the Northville Central School District lost to its competitor in a state championship game.

A girls’ basketball coach, Jim Zullo, from Northville Central School District in New York’s Adirondacks, was dismissed after a troubling incident at the end of a state championship game.

Following the team’s loss to LaFargeville Central School District in the Class D New York State championship, the coach was caught on video pulling a player’s ponytail while scolding her. The emotional player, Hailey Monroe, appeared visibly upset as another teammate, Ahmya Tompkins, one of Zullo’s nieces, tried to intervene.

The footage quickly circulated on social media and local news, drawing widespread criticism. In response, the Northville Central School District acted swiftly, condemning the coach’s behavior and terminating his position.

They wrote in a letter to athletes, families, and the community, “We hold our coaches to the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect for our student-athletes, and this behavior is completely unacceptable.”

Administrators also assured the public that the incident was being taken seriously. They pledged to provide support to the affected players and their families, reiterating that such conduct had no place in their athletic programs.

Moving forward, the district reaffirmed its dedication to upholding values of integrity and respect within the school community.

Following Zullo’s dismissal, the former Northville girls’ basketball coach issued a statement expressing remorse for his actions. He apologized to the player, Monroe, her family, the team, and the Northville community.

Zullo acknowledged that his behavior was unacceptable and stated that he deeply regretted putting his hands on a player.

He added, “I wish I could have those moments back. I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached girls basketball at Northville the past two years, especially last season, which was a difficult time for our family. I am super proud of every one of these young women and what they accomplished.”

Zullo also shared his confidence in the teams’ future success, “I know each of them will go on to do great things and I wish them well.”

The former coach’s statement conveyed a sense of genuine remorse for his actions. While the incident has brought an abrupt end to his coaching tenure, his words reflected regret and appreciation for his time with the team.