High school coach under investigation for leading prayers

Coach says he does not fear the repercussions

A high school football coach stood under investigation for praying with his team -as well as their opponents- on the football field after every game they played. Members of his community support the traditional practice despite the controversy.

MUNTINLUPA CITY, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - After inspiring his team with prayer during a football game, a high school football coach has become the source of controversy and is currently being investigated by school officials.
Joe Kennedy, a football coach at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Washington, is being investigated after routinely praying on the 50-yard line and thanking God in every game his team plays. Although the local community supports him amid the investigation, his actions could have dire consequences.

According to Kennedy, "I never asked anyone. They just all showed up one day and the next thing I know, the other team was showing up with us. I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, and it's been about protecting the freedom of other people. It's about the freedom, and the people can believe whatever they want. I'm just exercising my right."
The origins of the investigation remain unclear but the Freedom From Religion Foundation -an atheist activist group- has been very active in its quest to ban religious activity from high school and college football fields.
The district policy has this to say when it comes to religious activities in the area:
"As a matter of individual liberty, a student may of his/her own volition engage in private, non-disruptive prayer at any time not in conflict with learning activities. School staff shall neither encourage nor discourage a student from engaging in non-disruptive oral or silent prayer or any other form of devotional activity."

Kennedy said he wasn't worried about his job or the investigation process. He said, "It is not about what my beliefs are, it's about believing in each other. It's about the sport that we love."
The district has not yet taken any action and is expecting to conclude their investigation before the end of the week. Meanwhile, a rally to support the coach has already attracted 1,400 people on Friday via a Facebook event page.

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