'I'm Truly Sorry': 81-Year-Old Basketball Coach Apologises After Being Suspended for Pulling Girl's Hair

Washington: An 81-year-old New York basketball coach issued an apology for pulling a player's hair while they were on the court, AP reported

Jim Zullo said he deeply regretted his action after the team's loss to La Fargeville and also conveyed his "sincerest apologies" to the player and her family.

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"As a coach, under no circumstance is it acceptable to put my hands on a player, and I am truly sorry," adding, "I wish I could have those moments back."

He further expressed his gratitude to have the opportunity to coach the team especially when he was going something in his personal life.

"I am super proud of every one of these young women and what they accomplished. I know each of them will go on to do great things and I wish them well," he concluded his statement.

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The incident occurred when Zullo, the former coach of Northville Central's girl's team was fired by the Adirondacks school after a video of him went viral on social media where he can be seen pulling Hailey Monroe's hair after the team's 43-37 defeat to La Fargeville in the Class D state championship on Friday.

Earlier, Zullo defended his action stating that the player cursed him, prompting him, to take such actions,.

Zullo is a well-known coach in the Northville. He led Northville to the state championship during his two seasons as the coach.