Who is Jim Zullo? Former High School Coach Sued for Hair-Pulling Incident

A high school basketball player in New York has filed a lawsuit against her former coach, alleging assault and a history of abusive behavior.

Jim Zullo, 81, was fired in March as head coach of the Northville High School girls’ basketball team after a viral video showed him angrily pulling senior player Hailey Monroe’s hair moments after the team’s championship loss.

On Monday, Monroe filed the lawsuit against both Zullo and the Northville Central School District, accusing the coach of “a reputation and history of inappropriate, aggressive, and dangerous conduct” toward team members. She claims the district knew about his behavior but failed to act.

The incident occurred during the New York State Class D championship game on March 21, where Zullo allegedly erupted into a shouting fit before yanking Monroe’s hair in front of spectators. Video of the altercation spread widely across social media and national news.

According to the lawsuit, Zullo’s actions were part of a pattern of both physical and psychological abuse of students. The complaint seeks unspecified damages for “injuries, expenses, and damages” resulting from the March incident.

In an interview, Zullo admitted, “I deeply regret my behavior… under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player.” He later pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment, paid a $120 surcharge, and was issued a one-year order of protection prohibiting contact with Monroe.

Both Zullo and the school district have 20 days to respond to the lawsuit or risk a default judgment.