High School Coach Fired After He's Caught On Camera Yanking Female Athlete's Ponytail

A Northville Central High School basketball coach was fired shortly after he yanked on a player's ponytail—and the whole incident was caught on camera.

The Falcons had just lost to Hudson Valley Community College, La Fargeville, and the Falcons were watching the winning team's players celebrating on the field.

Hailey Monroe was among them, crying and talking to her teammates about losing the championship game for the second year in a row.

When then-coach Jim Zullo said it was time to congratulate the other team, she directed an expletive at him.

Angered by her reaction, Zullo grabbed her ponytail and pulled it hard enough to make her head fall back.

When he let her go, another player stepped between him and Monroe and they yelled at each other.

You can watch the incident captured by an anonymous videographer here:

- YouTubeyoutu.be

The Northville Central School District in Fulton County, New York, reassured the public that they were "deeply disturbed" by Zullo's behavior and that the incident was being "taken extremely seriously."

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

"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 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."

Former coach Zulio also came forward to release a public apology to Monroe, the team, and the school.

“I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to La Fargeville Friday night in the Class D state championship game. I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family, our team, the good folks at Northville Central Schools, and our community."

"As a coach, under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry. 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. I know each of them will go on to do great things, and I wish them well.”

Though the school was taking quick action, a video of the incident still quickly spread on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter).

Some argued that the coach definitely took his frustrations too far.

Others agreed and applauded Monroe's friend, Ahmya Tompkins, for stepping in.

After losing two years in a row, it was undoubtedly an emotional time for the entire team, their coach included. Expressing frustration and even tears is a fair response.

But physical contact like that definitely isn't on the list of appropriate behaviors.