The coach of a high school female basketball team in the US has been dismissed after a player’s ponytail at the end of a match. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media and 81 -year -old Northville High School coach Jim Zullo is shown contacting the team’s star player Hailey Monroe, who appears crying after the match. Mr. Zullo reaches out and violently draws his ponytail, before shouting at it.
Ms. Munro then tries to get away from Mr. Zullo, who continues to continue her as another player tries to stop her.
The district in Northville said that it was “deeply disturbed” from the operation of its coach and “the person will no longer be coaching” for the team.
Northville Central School District said in a statement, “We assure the public that the matter is being taken very seriously, and the district is actively addressing it.”
“The district will chase to support and outline the work we do in response to the incident with the affected players and their families.”
In his defense, Mr. Zullo told News10 ABC Prior to the incident caught on camera, the player instructed an explain on him when he instructed him to join hands with the opposing team.
A coach was fired after a girl pulled the ponytail after the loss of her state title. Is there a real to step into his friend? pic.twitter.com/pg6xntrgxh
– Kira? (@kirawontmiss) March 22, 2025
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Social media reacts
The video immediately went viral on social media, in which the majority called the coach to cross the line.
“His team’s companions were trying to protect him!” One user said, while the other said: “The coach’s behavior is completely unacceptable, there is no place for the game or elsewhere.”
One third remarked: “A student is not” hard coaching “by hair – it is crossing a clear line of honor and safety. Coaches have to build athletes, not humiliated or not hurt them.
His team’s companions were trying to protect him!
– Spitfire (@dogrightgirl) March 22, 2025
I don’t know if he had really thrown an explosive in his own way, but regardless, it was perfectly inappropriate for a big man to towards a girl. Glad that his team’s companions were there for him.
– A ruthless (@arthless8) March 22, 2025
Northville lost the title game 43-37 to La Fargeville.