Deion Sanders faces attack from anti-religion group over chaplain and football-team prayers

'Team is full of young and impressionable student-athletes who would not risk giving up their scholarship, playing time, or a recommendation from the coach by speaking out or opting out of his unconstitutional religious activities – even if they strongly disagree with his beliefs,

Oct 29, 2024 - 21:28
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Deion Sanders faces attack from anti-religion group over chaplain and football-team prayers
Deion Sanders (Video screenshot)
Deion Sanders (Video screenshot)
Deion Sanders

(BELIEFNET) — Colorado football coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has found himself in the crosshairs of an anti-religion group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), after having a pastor pray over his team following a recent victory.

The FFRF issued a four-page letter condemning Sanders’ actions, accusing him of unconstitutional religious activities for allowing Pastor Dewey Smith to pray with the team after their September 22 win against Baylor University.

The FFRF’s letter claimed that Sanders’ use of a team chaplain at a public university infringes upon the rights of players who may not share his Christian faith. “Coach Sanders’ team is full of young and impressionable student-athletes who would not risk giving up their scholarship, playing time, or a recommendation from the coach by speaking out or opting out of his unconstitutional religious activities – even if they strongly disagree with his beliefs,” the letter stated. The organization contended that Sanders was using his position to impose Christianity on the team, labeling it “unconstitutional religious coercion.”

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Fibis I am just an average American. My teen years were in the late 70s and I participated in all that that decade offered. Started working young, too young. Then I joined the Army before I graduated High School. I spent 25 years in, mostly in Infantry units. Since then I've worked in information technology positions all at small family owned companies. At this rate I'll never be a tech millionaire. When I was young I rode horses as much as I could. I do believe I should have been a cowboy. I'm getting in the saddle again by taking riding lessons and see where it goes.