At the end of the day, high school sports are supposed to be about fun and learning how to be a teammate. The emotions can be high, but this was taking it way too far.
Jim Zullo, a seasoned coach with over 40 seasons under his belt, was fired from Northville High School after he was seen on video pulling a player's ponytail in a heated post-game moment. The incident occurred after a loss in what was reported as the New York Class D state championship game, though this detail requires further confirmation. The event, which took place at Hudson Valley Community College, led to widespread condemnation online, with many labeling the act as abusive. The situation highlighted not only the issue of physical discipline in sports but also brought attention to the supportive actions of a teammate who intervened, earning praise for her protective stance. Discussions have since focused on the boundaries of coaching behavior, the importance of professionalism, and the role of team support in sports. The Northville Central School District issued a statement condemning the coach's actions, reflecting a broader consensus on the need for respect and decorum in coaching.
NEW: High school basketball coach fired after yanking a girl's ponytail following their loss in the New York Class D state championship game.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025
Good job on the girl standing next to the victim (number 24?) for standing up to this thug.
The Northville Central School District says… pic.twitter.com/we5XA7k5Ty
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Her friend was brave to step in on her behalf. That took a whole lot of guts.
If that were my kid, I would be in jail. https://t.co/W1CxKlJDEr
— 𝒜𝒪𝒮𝒯𝟣𝒩 (@AOST1N) March 22, 2025
Can we please find out the name of the young lady who moved her teammate out of the way of this maniac, then stood up to him? Because she should be celebrated nationwide. https://t.co/VxZmeHfJtB
— Annie Loves Books (@this_occupy) March 22, 2025
She is a powerful young lady.
Glad he won't be coaching anymore. 👋 https://t.co/hG4m5QFvo7
— Jowanza Joseph (@Jowanza) March 23, 2025
Behavior of coach totally unacceptable but can we appreciate her team mate that didn’t sit back and ignore it . https://t.co/ojqjT9zigK
— Jamie Hinkle (@jamiehinkle_) March 22, 2025
I don’t care if she told you to F yourself, You’re the adult in the room, conduct yourself as such. https://t.co/0XJpMLJbZp
— DeCerealMuse (Certified Cerealologist) (@Cerealbros1) March 22, 2025
Exactly right. Even if her behavior was out of line, grabbing her hair was not an acceptable response.
Wow. That coach should be more than fired. https://t.co/xEMRrsSn4O
— WeberGirl765 (@WeberGirl765) March 22, 2025
These people are out of control. This dude should have stayed retired… can you imagine what he did back in the day that was never reported??? 🤦🏻♂️
— Pants On Fire with George Santos (@MrSantosNY) March 22, 2025
Thank goodness it was caught on camera.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025
Can't imagine what he is like during practice.
Thank goodness everyone is holding a recording device in their hands these days.
We have gone so soft. Poor little girl, how will she ever get over it? I can tell you some stories of my football coaches and how they coached/taught our teams but you'd probably report them for *meanness*
— Morgan (@RennyG1103) March 22, 2025
This is good for young MEN, not young women. Sounds like you want an older man roughing up your daughter? Very weird!
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025
No one needs to hear about how hard high school football was for you. I played football from ages 7-20, and yes, coaches were way worse than this.
But…
Exactly! Young men may be treated differently by other men (it should still not be abusive), but it is never acceptable for any man to physically attack a woman, for any reason.
This isn't a coach. This is a bully. Yes, I get it; emotions are high. However, a coach's role is to coach, mentor, support, and provide guidance, not to abuse. That's why they are held to a higher standard than the players they coach.
— Wala Wala Games 🔥 (@WalaWalaGames) March 22, 2025
A Coach should exhibit self-control to his or her players.
I wish more people agreed with this
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025
A lot of weird men in the comments want their daughters to be roughed up like this by a man because they played high school football
Shocked how many "Traditional Value Conservatives" think young men & young women should be treated the same!
Derek, we get it. You, a male, are tough because you played high school football (like every other teenage boy) & think young girls should be roughed up by older men.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025
I don't think men and women are "equal." I think they should be treated differently, especially at this age.
Men, even coaches, should never put their hands on women. It's a terrible example to these young women and it should never happen. Hopefully, this man will never coach again.
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