A SHAMED high school basketball coach has issued a frank statement after being sacked for pulling a player’s ponytail.
Footage of 81-year-old Jim Zullo’s shocking behavior went viral.
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The Northville High School girls’ coach was captured yanking the hair of senior Hailey Monroe.
Monroe looked tearful as she watched opponents LaFargeville celebrate winning a title game 43-37 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.
She is the program’s all-time leading scorer – but had been fouled out in the big match.
Zullo proceeded to walk up behind her and grab her ponytail aggressively, which appeared to make her cry again.
One of Monroe’s team-mates then intervened – seemingly exchanging angry words with Zullo.
The pair pointed fingers at one another – with stunned viewers online praising the girl for standing up for her school-mate.
Zullo’s son Sam has now shared a statement from his dad over the disturbing scenes.
Zullo senior said: “I deeply regret my behavior following the loss to LaFargeville 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.”
He also insisted he regretted the whole incident.
Zullo added: “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.”
LaFargeville’s victory gave them the New York State Championship.
