A high school basketball coach has spoken out after being fired for pulling the hair of one of his female players, following their defeat in the New York State Class D championship. Veteran coach 81-year-old Jim Zullo was immediately dismissed by Northville Central School District as a result of the incident that occurred after their game. His team had just lost a 43-37 defeat to La Fargeville at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Caught on the NFHS Network's live stream during the medal ceremony for second place, a video shows Zullo yanking the ponytail of a senior student-player. The clip exhibiting this incident has since gone viral, amassing millions of views, with the affected girl appearing distraught and close to tears.

Following the hair-pull, Zullo proceeds to lecture the teenager - estimated to be 17 or 18 years old - before being interrupted by another player, believed to be his niece, who stepped in to protect her team-mate.

Zullo was seen verbally scolding both the intervening player and the senior, with fingers being pointed from both sides.

He later came forth with an expression of remorse for his conduct, offering apologies to the affected player, her family, the team, and the entire community. "I deeply regret my behaviour," he declared to ABC.

"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 acted swiftly in cutting ties with Zullo following the episode, announcing on their website their sentiments of being "aware of, and deeply disturbed by" his conduct.

"We hold our coaches to the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect for our student-athletes, and this behaviour is completely unacceptable," said the district's statement.

The school has unequivocally ended Zullo's tenure as coach and has communicated that actions are being taken regarding the matter.

Per the Times Union, Zullo now faces legal action, having been issued an appearance ticket to face a hearing in Troy City Court at a later date.

The Department of Public Safety from Hudson Valley Community College noted that a harassment allegation had been filed last Sunday.

Consequently, "peace officers" approached Zullo on the subsequent Monday to serve him with the appearance ticket.

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