Victor Valley High School’s football head coach Thomas Riley is accepting responsibility following his program’s one-week suspension, rather than challenging the district’s decision. Riley acknowledged that celebrations after the team’s Bell Game victory over Apple Valley contained unacceptable conduct and pledged to improve his coaching approach regarding sportsmanship and respect.
The Victor Valley Union High School District announced the suspension after reviewing multiple sources of evidence, including security footage, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts. Officials determined that several players displayed obscene gestures toward the opposing sideline and taunted Apple Valley fans and players following the Jackrabbits’ 20-7 victory. The district emphasized that such behavior violates the CIF-Southern Section Code of Ethics and creates potential safety concerns.
While Riley has focused on moving forward, at least one parent questioned whether the entire team should face consequences for actions committed by some players. The district, however, maintained that its decision is final and will not be reversed. Superintendent Carl Coles addressed school staff and met with team captains to explain the situation and its importance.
The district clarified that the “forks down” gesture used by some players was not a factor in the punishment, and a separate incident involving the school mascot was unrelated to the football team’s suspension. Victor Valley will return to competition on September 25 against Lancaster after serving its one-week penalty.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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