From championship highs to shocking lows, the world of sports can turn on a dime. One minute, a team’s celebrating victory; the next, a viral video throws a coach’s career into chaos. It was a moment of celebration for LaFargeville’s girls’ basketball team after their Class D state championship win. Instead, the spotlight quickly shifted to Northville High School’s coach, Jim Zullo. In a disturbing video that went viral within hours, Zullo was caught yanking the hair of senior Hailey Monroe following their 43-37 loss at Hudson Valley Community College.
The incident, which unfolded right in front of the Northville bench, sparked immediate outrage, ultimately costing the 81-year-old coach his job.
Monroe, visibly emotional, stood in line with her teammates when Zullo suddenly reached out, grabbed her by the ponytail, and pulled her backward. Shocked, Monroe turned away, while another player stepped in, making it clear she wasn’t okay with what had just happened. The unsettling moment left many questioning how a coach could behave this way, especially in such a public setting.
And of course, Northville Central School District wasted no time to make it clear that Zullo’s behavior was “completely unacceptable” and confirmed that he would no longer be coaching for the school. “The district will be following up with the affected players and their families to provide support and outline the actions we are taking in response to this incident,” they stated.
Among the many voices condemning Zullo’s actions was NBA legend Reggie Miller. Taking to Instagram, he didn’t hold back. “#24 is a BALLER for stepping in and checking this Coach. This Coach lucky neither one of these ladies are my daughters, he would have been picking up his teeth from the hardwood..” Miller commented, making it clear just how disgusted he was.
Reggie Miller being vocal of Zullo’s actions wasn’t an isolated incident. Throughout his broadcasting career, Miller has consistently used his platform to call out injustice and disrespect, particularly when it involves the mistreatment of athletes. One notable instance occurred during a live broadcast in 2018, when a heated exchange between two coaches on opposing teams turned physical.
While Reggie Miller’s outrage resonated with many, it also begs the question: would he ever step onto the sidelines himself? The answer, as he’s repeatedly stated, is a resounding no.
Reggie Miller has no interest in coaching
When JJ Redick landed the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job, the NBA world couldn’t stop talking. The former sharpshooter had seamlessly transitioned from NBA analyst to head coach, and naturally, people wanted to hear what other former players-turned-broadcasters thought about it. Reggie Miller, now an analyst himself, was one of them.
And Miller didn’t hesitate to give Redick his flowers. “You’re seeing the game at the highest level. On top of that, you’ve played the game at the highest level. I think JJ is going to bring that expertise,” he told Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone in a Q&A. But when asked if he’d ever consider following in Redick’s footsteps, Miller shut it down instantly.
“No. I don’t think I have the temperament or the patience to coach,” he admitted. He doubled down, saying, “I don’t have the patience. I don’t. I know I probably could, but I would invest too much in it. Very much the same in how I invest a lot in my two passions now, being an analyst and cycling. If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to go all in. I don’t know if I’d have the patience to do it.”
Now Imagine what could’ve been. Imagine Reggie Miller at the sidelines at Madison Square Garden—it will be fascinating, Won’t it?
The post Reggie Miller Threatens Violence Against Northville Basketball Coach Who Was Fired After Yanking Girl’s Hair appeared first on EssentiallySports.
