New York High School Coach Fired After Pulling Player's Ponytail During Championship Game

A high school basketball coach has been fired after he was caught doing something widely condemned as inappropriate to a student following a tough game loss.

Jim Zullo, who coached the girls' varsity team at Northville High School in Fulton County, New York, was seen on video grabbing the ponytail of one of his players, Hailey Monroe.

The incident took place right after a championship final at Hudson Valley Community College on Friday, March 21, according to a report from WRGB Albany.

In the footage, which quickly spread across social media, the 81-year-old coach is seen walking over to Monroe and yanking her hair.

Monroe, a senior and the team’s all-time leading scorer had reportedly fouled out of the game before the incident.

She appeared to be visibly upset and was crying just moments before Zullo approached her.

After he pulled her hair, Monroe walked away, while one of her teammates appeared to step in between them — seemingly to protect her.

The coach appeared angry with the players NFHS Network

Zullo looked furious in the video. Right before the footage ends, he can be seen pointing at the teammate who stepped in.

The reaction online was swift. Many took to Twitter to criticize the coach and label his actions as unacceptable.

One user posted: "Yes, I get it, emotions are high. However, a coach's role is to coach, mentor, support, and provide guidance, not to abuse. That's why they are held to a higher standard than the players they coach."

Many others focused on the teammate’s response, praising her for stepping in without hesitation.

"Unacceptable behavior from the coach! Kudos to the friend for standing up for her teammate and showing what it means to be a good friend," someone shared online.

Another added: "I appreciate her teammate standing up for her.. That's what a real teammate would do in that moment... She showed courage."

Viewers were impressed with the teammate's reaction NFHS Network

Speaking with ABC affiliate News 10, Zullo explained his version of what happened. He said that Monroe swore at him after he told her to shake hands with the opposing team.

"Zullo said the girl had claimed him an expletive," one viewer wrote in response. "If that was the case then kick her off the team. But physically touching her is just wrong."

The Northville Central School District also put out a statement addressing the incident. They said they were not only aware of what happened, but also deeply troubled by the coach’s behavior during the Class D State Championship game.

"We hold our coaches to the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect for our student-athletes, and this behavior is completely unacceptable," the statement read.

"The District is committed to ensuring that this type of behavior has no place within our programs, and we will continue to uphold the values of respect and integrity that our athletes, families and community expect and deserve."

"This individual will no longer be coaching for the Northville Central School District."

The school’s statement ended with a strong message: "We assure the public that this matter is being taken extremely seriously, and the District is actively addressing it. The District will be following up with the affected players and their families to provide support and outline the actions we are taking in response to this incident."