The head coach at Tattnall County High School in Georgia, Isaac Ferrell, was removed from his coaching position after a video showed 20 of his football players being baptized.
“Yesterday after practice Coach Ferrell gave the guys the opportunity to be baptized by Pastor Few. 20 young men made the decision to go #ALLIN with Christ!! Show them some support#BiggerThanFootball,” the team’s Facebook page posted.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation deemed the baptism unconstitutional, ultimately leading to the school district’s decision. (Trending: Jury Reaches Verdict In Paul Pelosi Hammer Case)
Isaac Ferrell has been fired as the head coach of the Tattnall County High School football team in East Georgia, after he invited a pastor to provide a mass baptism to 20 of his players at practice. pic.twitter.com/iEsOV6Ulan
— AnalyzingAmerica (@AnalyzAmerica) November 19, 2023
“Student athletes have the First Amendment right to be free from religious indoctrination when participating in their public school’s athletics program,” the group stated.
“It is illegal for public school athletic coaches to invite or instruct others, such as pastors, to lead their team in prayer or other religious activities, including proselytizing and baptisms.”
The district stated that the coach’s removal was unrelated to the baptism issue, but didn’t provide details.
Here’s a picture of the guys who were baptized yesterday after practice. Minus a couple.
Awesome experience getting to see God move throughout this team this season! #BiggerThanFootball pic.twitter.com/6MWgRYlgFR
— Jonah Mercer (@mercer_jonah) October 24, 2023
“Based on the outcome of an investigation into an incident that occurred Friday night, November 3, while traveling after the football game, the district decided that it would seek a head football coach that aligned with the best interests of the students of Tattnall County for the 2024-2025 school year,” the district stated.
Some parents expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the positive impact of the coach’s spiritual leadership on the students.
“I was extremely proud of him because he made the decision on his own. I didn’t have to hold his hand, and he did it because he wanted to do it,” one mother said.
“It was so sweet because you see the boys and they looked like they wanted it. You know, like everyone looked excited, from the ones I was able to see. So was cheering thank you, God. Yes, yes, yes. I was all for it,” she added.
“What about the ones who do believe? Why should they miss out on a spiritual leader because someone doesn’t agree? It takes a village to raise children,” she pressed.
Former @N_H_S_Football @GSAthletics_FB student athlete Isaac Ferrell fired as football coach following team baptismal https://t.co/ZzWBxe42iM
— Marvin L James II (@sportsguymarv) November 16, 2023
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