NORTHVILLE, NY (WRGB) — An investigation is now underway following a now viral moment caught on camera at a girls High School basketball game.
Former Northville coach Jim Zullo was charged with harassment Sunday, according to the HVCC Public Safety.
Northville High School girls basketball coach Jim Zullo, 81, can be seen yanking the ponytail of the team’s all-time leading scorer, Hailey Monroe, following Friday’s championship game loss. The incident, which has garnered national attention, led to Zullo’s dismissal.
The Hudson Valley Community College Department of Public Safety announced Saturday that it is investigating the incident “in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies.” Meanwhile, the Troy Police Department confirmed as of Saturday- no reports or charges have been filed.
“The NYSPHSAA commends the swift action taken in response to this incident, including the immediate termination of the coach involved,” Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said. “At NYSPHSAA, we uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and the well-being of our student-athletes. It is unfortunate that this incident has diverted attention from what should be the primary focus—the incredible achievements and dedication of the student-athletes throughout the season. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence deserve to be celebrated as the true representation of high school athletics.”
CBS6 spoke with a criminal defense attorney about the case.
Reporter Emma Quinn asked: “”The fact that it was caught on video how does that build this case for the prosecution or defense?”
Tully Rinckey Attorney Robert Babcock said “Cases that are caught on video tape are always going to get more scrutiny, more attention simply because there is a visual aspect to the case. Anytime we see a coach or a teacher or parent on tape mishandling or overly aggressive with a minor child or someone in their care it’s obviously much worse because there is video tape of it, there’s evidence of it.”
