Praying coach investigation gets national attention

BREMERTON, Wash. - The investigation of a Bremerton High School coach has gone viral.

The school district is investigating Joe Kennedy's practice of praying following football games.

The investigation made national headlines after word spread over the weekend.

Kennedy is the junior varsity coach and the assistant coach of Bremerton's varsity football team. He said he was told he would be fired if he continued to lead prayers on the 50-yard-line following games.

That didn't keep him from doing exactly that following last Friday's game or the one on Monday night.

"Lord, I just want to lift up all these warriors that came out here to compete today. I don't care what their beliefs are," Kennedy said after Monday night's game.

The district is not commenting on the case.

Policy states staff members cannot "encourage nor discourage" students from engaging in prayer.

Sophomore quarterback Savante Perrigo said the prayers are voluntary.

Perrigo said he remembers a student telling the coach last year the player didn't believe in God.

"He didn't get punished for it, he just sat out and just waited for the rest of the team to finish the prayer," said Perrigo.

After Friday's game Kennedy said he was in the Marines for 20 years fighting for the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech.

"i'm just exercising my right," said Kennedy, "The competition is over and i just thank God for every one of these young men that are out here."

A Facebook page titled "Support Joe Kennedy" has given supporters and critics a place to debate about prayer in school.

Jennifer Chamberlin wrote, "You make certain sacrifices when you are paid to do a job. Your and my Christian rights are not infringed upon by this law. Laws like these exist to protect the minority."

KING5

Bremerton football coach investigated for post-game prayers