A lip reader has revealed what the basketball coach in high school that was fired because he had pulled the hair of one of his young female players, it told them during his furious anger.
On Monday it was announced that Jim Zullo, 81, was accused of intimidation in the second degree and was called by the police as a result of his actions.
He was immediately fired as head coach of the Girl Basketball Team at Northville High School in Michigan when the despicable moment took place earlier this month.
Zullo has since issued a gross apology, but Times Union reported on Monday that he has now received a appearance card and will have to defend himself in court.
Expert Nicola Hickling, the founder of LipReader, has now revealed to Dailymail.com what he said to his players during his tirade after assessing the images.
After Hickling had pulled the hair of Senior Hailey Monroe, teammate Ahmya Tompkins – reportedly Zullo's niece – comes between her teammate of Northville and head coach.
A basketball coach in high school, Jim Zullo, was fired after he had pulled the hair from his player
She put her arm around her to protect her teammate and said to the coach: 'Leave her. That's not okay. '
Zullo reacts again before Tompkins tells him again: “No, leaves her.”
A furious zullo turns to the players and immediately clicks back and leans towards them, “You close it.”
The incident took place just after Zullo's Northville High School fell 43-37 in the New York State Class D Championship.
After the video had gone viral and millions watched it, Zullo spoke out and regretted his actions.
“I am deeply regretted by my behavior,” Zullo said in a statement to ABC. 'As a coach, it is not acceptable to give a player in the hands, and I am really sorry. I wish I could have those moments back. '
Allegedly, Zullo told News10 ABC that Monroe swore to him after he had instructed her to shake hands with the other team. Her reaction is reportedly preceded the hair lining.
According to the Hudson Valley Community College Department of Public Safety, a complaint for intimidation was submitted on Sunday and 'Peace Officers' met Zullo on Monday to issue the appearance ticket.
It has been reported that Zullo will report to the Troy City Court at a later date, after which he could be confronted.
In New York, where the alleged offense took place, intimidation in the second degree was a violation, not a crime, but Zullo could undergo prison for up to 15 days if he found guilty.
Other potential penalties include a maximum of $ 250 in fines and community service.
Zullo has now received a appearance card and can be in prison for up to 15 days
Zullo had been a basketball coach in high school in the state of New York for years, initially retired in 1999 after a 34-year career on the bank.
He retired in 2023 to lead the Northville Girls program and led the team to back-to-back performances of the state. The end of the last of those two games is when Monroe's hair was pulled.
“We stick to our coaches at the highest standards of professionalism, sportiness and respect for our student athletes,” the district said in a statement.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable. This person will no longer coach for Northville Central School District. '
The Northville School District also said it would follow it with the people involved in the community.
