Football Coach Fired for Praying After the Game

(S1E7) JOE KENNEDY - The U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear oral argument in Coach Joe Kennedy’s case. First Liberty has fought for Coach Kennedy through a six-year legal battle and now the Court will have an opportunity to protect the right of every American to live out their faith, including praying in public, without the fear of punishment.

Today’s guests expose the attacks on religious freedom in the public square following Coach Kennedy’s firing for praying privately on the field after the games. You will discover why this seemingly small incident has the potential to affect us all.

FEATURED CLIPS
00:00:00  Intro
00:03:17  The early years
00:07:37  No one gets suspended in kindergarten
00:08:22  Entering the Marine corp
00:11:03  Turning anger in to motivation
00:14:51  Influential people
00:18:14  What made you want to be a coach?
00:21:19  Having an impact and building a team
00:26:14  The early coaching commitment
00:29:09  Moving the goal post
00:31:10  Hostility toward religion
00:34:48  If you can be seen, it’s illegal
00:40:40  The game could change significantly
00:46:37  The desire to coach again

Meet Coach Joe Kennedy.

Coach Joe Kennedy, an eighteen-year Marine veteran, was an assistant coach for the Bremerton High School (BHS) varsity football team. Before he even coached his first game, the Marine-turned-football coach made a commitment to God that he would give thanks at the conclusion of each game for what the players had accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football.

After the whistle of his very first football game in 2008, Coach Kennedy took a knee and quietly prayed, thanking God for his players. His quiet, private prayers lasted only 15-30 seconds. Coach Kennedy continued this practice after every game for seven years, until he was fired for it 2015.

Let us know your takeaways. Post on social, tag UFA (@UnstoppableFreedomAlliance) and (@firstlibertyinstitute) so they can engage with you too! Sign the letter to encourage Joe at https://firstliberty.org/cases/coachkennedy/