A Georgia football coach was fired for baptizing 20 of his players in a ceremony.
Superintendent Kristen Waters announced that Isaac Ferrell would continue to be a teacher in the Tattnall County Schools District.
The Christian ceremony was held on October 23, when local pastor Gary Few baptized the players in tubs.
Ferrell’s inclusion of religion in athletics has upset some people.
Chris Line, an attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), wrote to Waters in a letter that Ferrell had “abused his powers.”
He wrote: “The district cannot allow Coach Ferrell to preach or baptize student-athletes, nor can it allow a pastor to do so.”
Ferrell is now out of a coaching job. Waters, however, said the decision was made because of an incident after a game on Nov. 3.
“The safety and security of our students is paramount to Tattnall County Board of Education,” Waters said in a statement. “Based on the outcome of an investigation into an incident that occurred Friday night, Nov. 3, while traveling after the football game, the district decided that it would seek a head football coach that aligned with the best interests of the students.
“As for any other allegations, district officials do not comment on ongoing investigations.”
Waters didn’t immediately respond to our comment request.
