Jim Zullo, in addition to being out of a job, is now facing legal repercussions as well.
Zullo, the girls’ high school basketball coach seen on video last week yanking the ponytail of one of his players, has officially been cited for harassment over the incident.
The Hudson Valley Community College Department of Public Safety told TMZ Sports that Zullo was issued an appearance ticket for second-degree harassment on Monday after a complaint was filed over the weekend.
“Mr. Zullo will report to Troy City Court at a later date,” a spokesperson for the department was quoted as saying.
Zullo, 81, was the longtime head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at Northville High School in Northville, N.Y. But he sparked national backlash last week when a viral video showed him angrily pulling on the ponytail of senior Hailey Monroe. The ugly incident occurred while Northville was waiting for the presentation of their medals after losing to LaFargeville in the NYSPHSAA Class D state championship game (see the video here).
A member of the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, Zullo claimed afterwards that he yanked Monroe’s ponytail because she swore at him after he directed her to shake hands with the opposing team. Zullo has since issued a public apology for the incident however.
“I want to offer my sincerest apologies to Hailey and her family, our team, the good folks at Northville Central Schools and our community,” Zullo’s apology read. “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.”
The Northville Central School District promptly announced the firing of Zullo following the episode. Now Zullo will have to appear in court because of the lapse in judgment too.
