Deion Sanders' use of team chaplain caught up in argument over constitutionally

Coach Prime hits the halfway point of the season with another sidebar

CU Buffs

Deion Sanders has sparked a new controversy regarding religious freedom by incorporating faith-based practices into Colorado's football program.

According to a report by Outkick's Trey Wallace, this issue came to the forefront when the Freedom From Religion Foundation recently sent a letter to the university, arguing that Sanders' use of team prayers and chaplains, such as Pastor E. Dewey Smith, following games was unconstitutional. According to the foundation, having a spiritual advisor lead prayer with the team at a public institution amounts to religious coercion, violating the rights of players and staff members who may not share the same beliefs.

This isn't the first time Sanders has faced criticism for his religious practices. When he first arrived at Colorado, the FFRF also raised concerns about his open display of faith with his team, prompting the university to give him additional training on the boundaries of religious expression in public institutions. However, Sanders continues to stand firm in his beliefs, regularly sharing faith-based messages on social media and engaging in team prayers, which remain an integral part of his leadership style.

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The legal battle surrounding Sanders' actions has drawn the attention of another organization, First Liberty Institute, which has stepped in to defend Coach Prime's practices.

In a letter to the university obtained by On SI, First Liberty argues that the FFRF is misapplying the law and that Sanders’ actions are protected under the tradition of public prayer, which dates back to the founding of the country. The Institute points to the long-standing precedent of chaplain programs in public spaces, including locker rooms, as part of America's religious heritage.

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The broader debate centers on the tension between private religious expression and potential government-sponsored coercion in public spaces. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games, asserting that his actions were a form of private expression. However, Sanders’ case differs, as it involves praying in the locker room with the team, raising questions about the line between voluntary prayer and coerced participation.

As this situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the University of Colorado will respond to the conflicting views presented by the FFRF and First Liberty. However, Sanders seems unlikely to alter his approach, as his faith continues to be a core element of his coaching philosophy.