Longtime New York High School girls' basketball coach Jim Zuro made his remarks after firing for striking the player's hair.
Zulo's son Sam shared his father's statement with the press. Includes wnyt.
“After losing to Largeville on Friday night in the Class D state championship game, I deeply regret my actions,” Zlo said. “I would like to offer a sincere apologies to Haley and her family, our team, to the good people in Northville Central School and our community. As a coach, I'm not accepting to put my hands on the players.
Northville High School fell 43-37 against Largeville in the title game on Friday.
“I want to give back those moments. I'm grateful for the past two years, especially last season, for the opportunity to coach women's basketball in Northville. This has been a difficult time for our family.”
In the virus clip that led to his firing, the 81-year-old Zlo walked behind Haley Monroe, then pulled her ponytail before yelling her face.
Monroe's teammates stood up for her and returned to Zullo during the argument.
Monroe appeared to cry before and after the incident. It came as I was watching my opponent celebrate the New York State Championship. Monroe is a senior and the program's highest scorer ever, but was fouled out in the game.
Zullo claimed that Monroe had directed him to exp humiliate. This led to the virus incident.
Northville Central School District immediately fired Zullo and said“The district will follow up with affected players and their families to support and outline the actions we are taking in response to this incident.”
“I am extremely proud of each and every one of these young women and what they have accomplished,” Zlo said. “I know each of them will continue to do great things, and I hope they are well.”
