By Lydia Davies
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist advocacy group, has formally requested that University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders cease leading team prayers and religious activities with players.
According to a news outlet, the group contends that Coach Sanders has blended his role as coach with religious practices, which they argue infringe on players’ rights under the First Amendment.
Their letter sent to university officials referenced a post-game prayer led by Pastor E Dewey Smith following the team’s win against Baylor University last month.
Before the prayer, Sanders reportedly encouraged the players, saying, “If you don’t believe in the Lord, you better believe in him now.”
In his prayer, Smith expressed gratitude for the victory and protection over the players, adding a faith-based perspective by invoking the name of Jesus.
FFRF attorney Samantha F Lawrence asserted in the letter that, “despite earlier agreements” between Sanders and the university on limiting religious expression, Sanders continues to engage players in religious activities.
Lawrence further claimed that the team environment could create pressure for players to participate, despite personal beliefs.
The group asked the university to remind Sanders that he was hired to coach football, not to “promote Christianity.”
They requested assurance in writing of any measures taken by the university to prevent Sanders from leading religious activities in the future.
Additionally, the FFRF demanded access to records involving any interactions between Pastor Smith and the team, including details on travel, payments, and communication with Coach Sanders on religious expression policies.
