Bremerton High School assistant football coach Joe Kennedy is under investigation for praying after football games. District policy states staff should neither deny nor encourage students from praying but that isn’t sitting well with a coach who feels he is in fact doing neither.
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“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 people can believe whatever they want. I’m just exercising my right. The game is over, and I just thank god for every one of these young men that are out here.” Kennedy said in an interview.
Sometimes he’s alone in pray, sometimes others join him in thanking God for a safe game.
Bill Bailey, who was supporting Bremerton’s opponent on the day in question stood with Kennedy: “It’s freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to participate.”
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From NBC K5 News:
BREMERTON, Wash. — The Bremerton School District is investigating a football coach for praying after high school football games. District policy states “school staff shall neither encourage nor discourage” students from praying.
Bremerton High School assistant football coach Joe Kennedy, who is still coaching, said he always prays after games on the 50-yard line. He said sometimes he’s alone, sometimes players join him.
“I never asked anyone,” Kennedy said. “They just all showed up one day and the next thing I know, the other team was showing up with us.”
KING 5 spoke to Kennedy at Monday’s JV football game, He’s the assistant head coach for Bremerton High’s varsity team and the head coach for the JV squad. After Monday’s game, Kennedy still prayed on the field, and a large crowd made up of players and parents from both Bremerton and its opponent took part.
