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Former Northville High School girls' basketball coach Jim Zullo faces a lawsuit filed by ex-player Hailey Monroe, following an incident where Zullo was caught on camera pulling Monroe's ponytail after a state championship game loss. The lawsuit, filed in state Supreme Court in Fulton County, accuses Zullo and the Northville Central School District of negligence, citing Zullo's history of aggressive behavior towards players.
The incident occurred in March during the NYSPHSAA Class D championship game against La Fargeville, where Zullo was seen pulling Monroe's ponytail, causing her head to jerk backward. This action was captured on the NFHS Network broadcast and led to Zullo's dismissal by the school district, which expressed being "deeply disturbed" by his conduct.
Zullo, who pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment in Troy City Court, was ordered to pay $120 in court costs and maintain no contact with Monroe for a year. Despite his apology, Monroe's lawsuit claims she suffered permanent physical and mental injuries due to the incident. The suit also alleges the district was aware of Zullo's aggressive tendencies but failed to act.
Zullo, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee known for his successful coaching career, had returned from retirement to coach the Northville girls' team. He led them to two consecutive state championship appearances. The Northville Superintendent Sarah Chauncey confirmed awareness of the lawsuit but declined further comment.