By Devlin Francis and Jack Weaver, both ’15 | Associate Editor and Staff Writer

Two varsity football players face consequences for a photo of them allegedly smoking marijuana in their uniforms, which they posted on Instagram. The Pulse is not identifying these students to protect their privacy.

One of the players has been suspended for two games by Athletic Director Jeremy Hawkins, while the other remains unpunished because he was not directly depicted smoking in the photo. Head coach Tim Brandon could still decide not play the second player.

Because the alleged activity took place outside of school, the administration has no jurisdiction in punishing them academically, Principal Moussa Hamka said.

“This does not violate the School Code of Conduct,” Hamka said. “The Athletic Code of Conduct has a larger umbrella. An athlete can get in trouble over the weekend, and while they don’t get suspended from school, they could be in violation of the Athletic Code.”

The use of marijuana does violate the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s (MHSAA) Athletic Code of Conduct, which resulted in the first player’s suspension.

An unidentified parent within the community gave Brandon the picture, which he then, as a mandated reporter, gave to Hawkins to further investigate.

Hamka also said that the rumor that the Mother’s Club played a role in distributing this photo is false.

“Someone in the community gave coach Brandon a picture of some football players engaging in activity that is unbecoming of our athletes,” Hamka said. “I don’t know who it was, or if it was a he or a she, but I can tell you that it wasn’t the Mother’s Club. Any rumors that the Mother’s Club gave us pictures is completely false.”

Hamka hopes all South students will be more aware of the decisions they make and the impact it could have on their lives, both short term and long term, he said.

“I just encourage all of our students to make healthy, responsible and smart choices,” Hamka said. “You need to be careful with what you do with your body and the actions you take. You don’t want to jeopardize your safety or anyone else’s, and also you have to be smart.”