A group of unnamed high school football players in Alabama have been punished for smoking cigars in the locker room after Moody defeated Vigor to win the state championship. As have their coaches.
The extent of discipline remains unclear.
Specifics are not available because of student protection laws. However, the high school football players and the coaches who were involved with the controversial celebration received discipline.
Moody High School won the Class 5A state championship in Alabama.
Moody High School enrolls approximately 700 students in Grades 9-12. It is located in the suburbs of Birmingham, about 25 east of downtown. The Blue Devils won all but two games during the regular season to set up home-field advantage during the playoffs. They ran through the bracket.
Moody defeated Corner, Priceville, Briarwood Christian and Scottsboro by a combined score of 195-72. It defeated Vigor 25-0 to win the state title game without a single completed pass during the first half on a rainy night at Protective Stadium, home to the UAB Blazers.
This was the first-ever state championship for the Blue Devils. They decided to celebrate with victory cigars, which led to a hilarious disclaimer from a separate state championship coach just a few hours later.
The high school football players and coaches have been punished.
Per federal law, the minimum age to buy, possess or use cigars (and all other tobacco/nicotine products) is 21 years old. High school students are not 21 years old.
Perhaps more importantly, the cigar smoke can cause damage to a facility that is not owned or operated by Moody. It was a Division-I locker room. The Blue Devils were not authorized to smoke cigars.
A photo from the locker room was posted by the official account for the football program on X. The caption read, “Sorry about the locker room celebration — Send bill to City of Moody.” The original post has since been deleted but the photo went viral anyway.
Players and coaches have since been punished for the celebration after a formal investigation was conducted to “fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.” Alabama High School Athletic Association executive director Heath Harmon said the AHSAA office was following the proper procedures for response. St. Clair County superintendent Rusty St. John confirmed action was taken.
“Winning a state championship is a historic achievement for the Moody community,” he said in a press release. “However, certain actions by a small number of our student-athletes and staff members have unfortunately dampened the celebration. We do not condone the improper conduct of those involved, and we apologize to the AHSAA and Progressive (Protective) Stadium for their actions. This situation has provided an opportunity to reinforce expectations, strengthen guidance and support the continued growth of our students and community.”
Does this mean the players who smoked cigars were suspended? Were they sent to detention? Was it a slap on the wrist? Are the coaches still on staff? Did they receive a fine?
Specific details were not disclosed because students are involved. St. John is limited in what he can share.