Interviewer: Following the viral video of now former Northville High School basketball coach, Jim Zullo, pulling his star player’s hair. Zullo’s been cited for second-degree harassment. So he was also fired, and he’s been issuing an apology. Could he still face criminal charges? We’ve got managing partner Paul Harding here from Harding Mazzotti. Thanks for joining us to talk about this.
Paul: Thank you.
Interviewer: So what does this citation entail or mean exactly?
Paul: Yeah. So what confused people is that he was given a citation. He has to appear in court, but it’s not technically a criminal violation. He wasn’t arrested. He was just given a ticket to show up. Although uniquely, it does have a penalty of up to 15 days or a $250 fine. But it’s not considered a criminal charge. And really, it was one of those things that happened, seemed within hours after that video went viral. And that’s where we are right now.
Interviewer: Could he still face a criminal charge?
Paul: You always can. But based on what I saw, based on the video that I saw, I think it’s an appropriate charge. You know, it was something where there was sort of, there was a contact, and the contact was not wanted. But I don’t think there was a physical injury. At least that’s what we see. Now we find out there was a physical injury, or we find out when the camera was off, maybe earlier that day, or later, or even weeks before, during practice, although, no indication of that, then there could be criminal charges. Based on what I saw, I don’t think so.
Interviewer: Yeah. And what you’re alluding to, if there were a physical injury, that could constitute as assault.
Paul: Yeah, as assault. And now, and again, I don’t know the age of the victim, but if she were under 18, it would be a more serious charge in 18 or above. And depending on, you know, that level of contact.
Interviewer: Yeah. So, what ultimately do you think will come out of all of this?
Paul: Well, you know, I mean, obviously it can’t happen. What happened shouldn’t have happened. And, you know, I think, you know, there was a lot of excitement around the game, and then there was a lot of things got a little when came when they didn’t win the game, you know, I think people made a lot of bad decisions. I think we’re just gonna see this thing fade away. I think that’s where it’s gonna go. And, you know, the coach just blew it as they say. That’s where I think it’s gonna go down. And I think, once, he’s gonna have this thing basically dismissed, called an ACOD. Say if you’re good for six months, we’re gonna dismiss it. It’s probably the appropriate thing to do. And, you know, it was just a really kind of a sad end to what could have been a beautiful story. Just coming back to coach these girls. Even coming in second place in the State of New York is a pretty big deal.
Interviewer: Right. Yeah. All right. Paul, thank you so much.
Paul: You’re welcome.
