Atheist group calls on coach Deion Sanders to end pre-game prayers with players

In a heated debate spiraling around the football field, Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes and a celebrated NFL Hall of Famer, is facing scrutiny from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). This comes after the coach has been seen engaging in team prayers and religious activities, especially after a recent victory over Baylor University.

In a letter addressed to university officials, FFRF pointed to a post-game prayer led by Pastor E. Dewey Smith, during which Sanders reportedly told his team, “If you don’t believe in the Lord, you better believe in Him now.” The pastor expressed gratitude for the team’s success. In his prayer, he noted, “Thank you that in spite of our imperfections you still blessed us, Lord. And thank you for being with us to the end.” This has raised flags for the FFRF, which argues that such actions blur the lines between athletics and religious expression.

A staff attorney for the FFRF, Samantha F. Lawrence, stated that these actions risk pressuring young student-athletes to conform to Sanders’ religious views, potentially jeopardizing their scholarships or positions on the team. Lawrence emphasized the influence coaches hold over their players, arguing that the environment created by Sanders could amount to “unconstitutional religious coercion.” She insisted that students may feel obligated to participate in religious practices even if they have personal objections.

The foundation is urging the University of Colorado to take decisive action. They argue that the university had previously assured them that Sanders was made aware of appropriate boundaries regarding religious expression within the athletic program. The group now demands written confirmation of the steps the university will take to ensure Sanders stops promoting Christianity through his coaching.

The FFRF has not held back, requesting a comprehensive set of records related to Pastor E. Dewey Smith’s interactions with the football team, including travel itineraries and financial transactions. Furthermore, they are seeking documentation detailing the university’s policies related to religious remarks and practices by the coaching staff.

As of Monday, the University of Colorado had not responded to inquiries regarding the demands laid out by the FFRF. The controversy continues to unfold, drawing attention to the ongoing discussion about the intersection of sports and religion in educational institutions.