Sun Mar 23 04:34:39 UTC 2025: ## High School Basketball Coach Fired After Viral Video Shows Ponytail Pull
**Northville, MI –** Longtime Northville High School women’s basketball coach Jim Zullo, 81, has been fired after a video surfaced online showing him violently pulling the ponytail of a crying player, Hailey Monroe, following a state championship game loss.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, depicts Zullo aggressively yanking Monroe’s hair and yelling at her after the game, while another player attempts to intervene. The Northville Central School District released a statement expressing deep concern over the incident and confirming Zullo’s dismissal. The district stated it is actively addressing the situation and will provide support to the affected players and their families.
Zullo, in a statement to News10 ABC, claimed that Monroe had used profanity towards him after he instructed her to shake hands with the opposing team. However, this explanation has not mitigated the widespread condemnation of his actions.
Social media users overwhelmingly criticized Zullo’s behavior, with many calling it unacceptable and highlighting the inappropriate nature of his physical actions towards a student-athlete. Numerous comments praised the player who attempted to protect Monroe from further abuse.
Northville lost the state title game to La Fargeville with a score of 43-37. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about appropriate coaching conduct and the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for young athletes.
First Piper 