An inappropriate photo involving players on the Aptos High varsity football team was posted on social media this past weekend following a 35-28 victory against rival Watsonville High on Sept. 5.
A group of seven student-athletes were depicted standing inside of Aptos’ weight room holding what looks like a t-shirt or towel saying, “F**K WATSONVILLE HIGH” and the school’s mascot crossed out in the middle.
Aptos athletic director Travis Fox released an official statement Sept. 7 regarding the incident saying, “We are aware of an inappropriate and offensive photo posted on social media involving members of our football team. The behavior displayed in that image does not reflect the values of Aptos High School, our athletic program, or the standards we hold for our student-athletes.”
Fox went on to say, “We expect our students to demonstrate respect and sportsmanship both on and off the field.”
After last week’s game, the tensions were high when a group of youths jumped out of a parked car outside of the stadium to yell obscene gestures. Players from Aptos responded until they were told by Fox to head back into the locker room.
It’s unknown when the original photo was taken, but it was anonymously submitted to The Pajaronian on Saturday evening. There is also an altered image circulating around a social media account with crossed-out faces of the players and text saying, “Real Class” with the image of a female emoji slapping the forehead next to it.
The Pajaronian reached out to Pajaro Valley Unified School District to see if any of the seven students received disciplinary action as listed on Aptos’ official website.
PVUSD public information officer Alicia Jimenez responded in a text message, “We are aware of the photo that is circulating and want to assure our community that we take matters involving our students very seriously. However, to protect student privacy, we are unable to comment on individual student matters or any disciplinary actions.”
Jimenez went on to say, “Please know that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”
Aptos High uses the Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support system, according to the school’s website.
Within the system, disciplinary consequences such as committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity can lead to suspension or expulsion as stated in the California Education Code under Article 1, line “i”.
The rest of Fox’s official statement went on to say, “This incident represents a lapse in judgment, and those involved will face consequences in accordance with our school conduct standard. Just as importantly, they will be given the opportunity to learn from this experience and understand that their actions carry weight in the classroom, on the field and in our community.”
