Freedom From Religion Group Files Complaint About Central, East Ridge Players Praying Over Injured Player

  • Sunday, January 29, 2017

A Wisconsin Freedom from Religion group has filed a complaint about Central and East Ridge High players joining together on the football field to pray for an injured player in a game last Sept. 9.

Attorney Rebecca S. Markert of the Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a letter to County School Board Attorney Scott Bennett said that "public school coaches must refrain not only from leading players in prayer but also in participating in students' prayers."

She said the group recently learned of the "post-game prayer circle" and asked county school officials "to remind athletic directors and coaches in this district to refrain from leading their teams in prayer or participating in team prayer circles initiated by players."

Attorney Markert said there is a video of the prayer circle that was posted on the Facebook page of Stump on Sports.

She said the video shows an adult in a Central shirt leading everyone in prayer.

The attorney said, "While it is laudable for students and coaches to express concern over an injured player, coaches may not use an injury as an opportunity to engage students in a religious exercise." 

Click here to read the complaint.
Breaking News
New Hope Fire Department Disputes TWRA Report On Kayaker Rescues
  • 3/28/2024

New Hope Fire Department Corey Comstock disputed a report by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency about the rescue of 33 kayakers from extremely high winds near Nickajack Cave on Monday. ... more

Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 3/28/2024

A woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on North Moore Road Thursday afternoon and was rescued by Chattanooga firefighters. Hamilton County 911 received a call ... more

Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
  • 3/28/2024

A motorcyclist fled on Sunday, from a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempting to make a lawful stop on Highway 27. Since that time, the deputy has been working leads to identify the ... more