News Summary
The Northville community is reeling after Jim Zullo, a former girls basketball coach, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree harassment charge. The incident, which involved inappropriate behavior during a post-game handshake line with player Hailey Monroe, has led to his dismissal from the Northville Central School District. The court proceedings continue as Zullo faces legal repercussions, raising concerns about conduct and safety in youth sports.
Northville in Shock: Former Girls Basketball Coach Jim Zullo Pleads Not Guilty to Harassment Charge
Northville, NY – The small town of Northville is buzzing with news after former girls basketball coach Jim Zullo made headlines for all the wrong reasons. On April 9, 2025, during his arraignment at Troy City Court, Zullo pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree harassment. This charge arises from a disturbing incident involving one of his players, Hailey Monroe.
The Incident That Shocked the Community
The incident took place after a tense game at Hudson Valley Community College, where the Northville girls’ team faced off against LaFargeville in the NYSPHSAA Class D Championship Game on March 21, 2025. After a tough loss, emotions were high, but what happened next surprised everyone. During the post-game handshake line, Zullo was seen on video pulling Monroe’s ponytail, an action that many have deemed inappropriate and unprofessional.
This shocking behavior did not go unnoticed. Just two days later, on March 23, the Hudson Valley Community College Department of Public Safety received a formal harassment complaint related to the incident. The fallout was swift, with the Northville Central School District taking the decision to dismiss Zullo from his coaching position following the incident. This was a significant shift for Zullo, who had carved out a notable coaching career, including over 500 wins and a state title under his belt as a boys’ basketball coach at Shenendehowa.
The Legal Proceedings
As the case unfolds, Zullo now faces legal repercussions for his actions. The judge overseeing the case has issued an order of protection for Monroe, requiring Zullo to maintain a distance from her, ensuring her safety amidst the legal proceedings. Additionally, he was mandated to surrender his firearm to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office by 4 p.m. on the same day as his arraignment.
The legal definition of second-degree harassment in New York involves actions intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, and Zullo’s actions have definitely raised alarms in the community. Notably, after the incident, Zullo claimed that Monroe had hurled an expletive in his direction, attempting to justify his behavior. Nevertheless, many in Northville are left questioning whether any circumstances could excuse such actions from a coach.
Reflections and Future Court Dates
In the aftermath of this incident, Zullo expressed a desire to turn back time and erase the episode. He is set to make another court appearance on April 22, 2025, where more details may emerge. As the town waits for further developments, the impact of this incident on the basketball program and the community at large is palpable.
For many parents, athletes, and fans, Zullo has been seen as a figure of respect and achievement, especially after making a return to coaching the Northville girls’ team just two years ago. This sudden turn in fate has left the community reeling, and thoughts are with Monroe as she navigates this challenging situation.
As this case continues to unfold, all eyes are on the court to see what the future holds for both Zullo and Monroe, as the community hopes to move past this unsettling chapter in its basketball history.
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Additional Resources
- Times Union: Jim Zullo Issued Ticket for Harassment
- Daily Gazette: Zullo Northville Hair-Pulling Case
- Fox6Now: East Troy Teacher Sexual Assault New Victim
- Wikipedia: Basketball
- Google Search: Jim Zullo Northville
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
