A former girls' basketball coach in the Northville (N.Y.) Central School District is being sued for his sideline actions that involved pulling a player's hair during a championship game in March.
As reported by CBS affiliate WRGB in Albany, Hailey Monroe claims in her lawsuit that James Zullo displayed aggressive and bullying behavior during the New York State Class D championship game held March 21 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.
"According to the complaint, Zullo reportedly became enraged at the end of the game, yelling and screaming at Monroe before assaulting her by grabbing her hair and yanking it in front of teammates and spectators," WRGB's Felix Day reported. "The incident was reportedly captured on video and circulated on social media and television news."
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The lawsuit says that Zullo has a history of inappropriate, aggressive, and dangerous conduct towards team members, including Monroe, WRGB's Day reported. It further claims that the Northville Central School District was aware of Zullo's behavior and failed to take appropriate action to protect students from physical and psychological abuse.
The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, seeks damages for the injuries to and expenses incurred by Monroe. The lawsuit claims the school district's negligence contributed to Monroe's injuries and demands judgment against both Zullo and the district.
Both must respond to the complaint within 20 days of service or risk a default judgment against them, Day reported.
