The entire varsity football team at Victor Valley High School in California has been suspended for a week after players and their mascot were filmed making obscene gestures and using offensive language towards fans of Apple Valley High School following a match. The incident, which was captured on video and spread widely on social media, has prompted the school district to forfeit the team's next fixture and issue a public apology, highlighting the pressure schools face to balance sporting success with student conduct.

The clash, known locally as the Bell Game, took place on Friday 11 September and ended in a 20-7 win for Victor Valley. Footage showed players and the school's Jackrabbit mascot making crude gestures, including an obscene hand signal, as well as an apparent mock tackle of the opposing team's mascot. District superintendent Carl Coles confirmed both players and coaching staff would be barred from football activities for a week, with practices halted and the team's home game against Brea Olinda High School forfeited, while the district apologised to Apple Valley's players, staff and supporters.