A Southern California high school has suspended its varsity football team, and will forfeit its next matchup, for unsportsmanlike actions in a heated rivalry game that also saw the school's mascot flipping off the opposing crowd.
Victor Valley High School defeated Apple Valley 20-7 on Friday in the 56th edition of the annual rivalry game known as the Bell Game. The winning side not only gets bragging rights but also possession of the rivalry trophy, a large bell that is currently painted green to match the school's colors. However, Victor Valley's celebrations, and the antics of their jackrabbit mascot, crossed a line, according to district officials. Victor Valley Union High School District Superintendent Carl Coles and Victor Valley Principal Darius Robinson released joint a statement announcing the team would be suspended as a result.
"There is a clear line between passionate competition and unacceptable conduct," the statement read. "That line was crossed at the Bell Game on Friday, September 11. 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."
With the suspension, Victor Valley will forfeit its upcoming game against Brea Olinda.
While the district's letter did not specify the actions and gestures made that warranted this punishment - the letter also didn't identify offending players - videos circulating on social media seem to provide some insight into what led to the decision. For one thing, the Jackrabbits mascot gave the middle finger to the Sun Devil crowd early on in the game as it walked down the track surrounding the field on Apple Valley's side of the stadium.
#high #bell
Victor Valley High School defeated Apple Valley 20-7 on Friday in the 56th edition of the annual rivalry game known as the Bell Game. The winning side not only gets bragging rights but also possession of the rivalry trophy, a large bell that is currently painted green to match the school's colors. However, Victor Valley's celebrations, and the antics of their jackrabbit mascot, crossed a line, according to district officials. Victor Valley Union High School District Superintendent Carl Coles and Victor Valley Principal Darius Robinson released joint a statement announcing the team would be suspended as a result.
"There is a clear line between passionate competition and unacceptable conduct," the statement read. "That line was crossed at the Bell Game on Friday, September 11. 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."
With the suspension, Victor Valley will forfeit its upcoming game against Brea Olinda.
While the district's letter did not specify the actions and gestures made that warranted this punishment - the letter also didn't identify offending players - videos circulating on social media seem to provide some insight into what led to the decision. For one thing, the Jackrabbits mascot gave the middle finger to the Sun Devil crowd early on in the game as it walked down the track surrounding the field on Apple Valley's side of the stadium.
#high #bell
1 day ago
