A California high school has suspended its entire football team following what deemed "offensive" behavior by players celebrating a rivalry victory Friday night.
As reported by The Spun, Victor Valley High School defeated rival Apple Valley High School, 20-7, in what is referred to as the "Bell Game." Afterward, players were seen taunting the crowd, with the school's mascot even extending a middle finger.
With the team and coaching staff suspended, Victor Valley forfeit its next regular-season game. School superintendent Carl Coles and principal Darius Robinson released a joint statement:
"Members of the Victor Valley High School football team behaved in an unsportsmanlike manner toward the opposing team and its fans, including offensive gestures and language.
"There is a clear line between passionate competition and unacceptable conduct. That line was crossed at the Bell Game on Friday, September 11.
"Over the coming week, school leaders and district administration will work directly with the coaching staff and football team to address what occurred, review our athletic code of conduct, and reinforce the standards required of every student-athlete and coach representing Victor Valley High School.
"There will be accountability, there will be reflection, and there will be a clear expectation that this cannot happen again.
"We are proud of our student-athletes, but athletic success cannot take precedence over character. Our responsibility as educators is not simply to develop better athletes; it is to develop better human beings."
According to USA TODAY, Coles apologized to Apple Valley, saying that what happened Friday night does not reflect Victor Valley and noted that they would commit to doing better as a whole.
This week's forfeit loss drops the Jackrabbits' record to 3-2.
