A high school football coach in Washington state is being investigated by the school district for the post-game prayers he engages in with players and coaches, according to Drew Mikkelsen and Heather Graf of NBC affiliate King 5 News.
Joe Kennedy, Bremerton High School's varsity assistant head coach and JV head coach, is being investigated by the Bremerton School District for potential violations of district policy, which states that "school staff shall neither encourage nor discourage" students from praying. Per King 5, it is not clear what prompted the investigation, though it's likely the result of a parent complaint, and presumably focuses on Kennedy's role in the prayer and how and why the students join him.
In a ritual that has been ongoing "for years," after each Bremerton football game Kennedy holds a prayer at the 50-yard line. He indicated to Mikkelsen and Graf that he has "never asked anyone" to join him and that the attendance for his prayers varies - sometimes he's alone at midfield, sometimes he's joined by a group of players that includes both Bremerton kids and the opposition.
"I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, and it's been about protecting the freedom of other people," Kennedy said, via King 5. "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."
After Bremerton's JV game on Monday night, Kennedy held his normal prayer and was joined by "a large crowd made up of players and parents from both Bremerton and its opponent."
To this point, Kennedy has not been fired or placed on administrative leave and the district would not comment beyond stating that Kennedy's status as a football coach has not changed. A Facebook group named "Support Joe Kennedy" was brought into being over the weekend after news of the investigation broke. A rally in support of Kenndy is planned for Friday, the day prior to the Bremerton varsity team's first game.
Via the Facebook page, Kennedy revealed that he has been asked by the district not to continue leading the prayer and to instead allow one of the players to do so. Despite the district's request, Kennedy led the prayer on Monday. On Sunday, Kennedy released the following statement regarding the investigation:
"The truth is:
1. Told that I couldn't lead the prayer.
2. I asked what they would do if I did.
3. They said 'they will fire you'
4. I prayed.
5. Now I am waiting to hear from the school tomorrow.
As of today, I have not been fired"
For his part, Kennedy seemed undaunted by the ongoing investigation while speaking with King 5, making clear that his focus lies solely with the well-being of his players and their shared love of the game.
"I don't really worry about all that nonsense," Kennedy told Mikkelsen and Graf. "The only thing I worry about is the kids. It's not about what my beliefs are, it's about believing in each other. It's about the sport that we love."
