Deion Sanders refuses to bow to anti-religious group demanding he keep God out of Colorado football practices

Deion Sanders refuses to bow to anti-religious group demanding he keep God out of Colorado football practices

Deion Sanders does not plan to use team prayers and chaplains despite his methods at Colorado being labeled ‘unconsтιтutional’.

The 57-year-old icon is a dedicated Christian who continues to practice his faith at the helm in Boulder. Since taking over the Buffaloes program, Sanders has incorporated faith-based practices into their schedule.

Coach Prime often uses chaplains, such as Pastor E. Dewey Smith, to inspire and educate his athletes. However, this past season, Colorado received a letter asking Sanders to stop mandatory prayers and the use of chaplains.

According to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, having spiritual advisors lead the team in prayer at a public insтιтution is religious coercion. The FFRF claimed the practice violates the rights of players and staff members who don’t share the same beliefs.

This is not the first time the FFRF confronted Sanders. When he joined the program before the 2023 season, the foundation contested his open displays of faith with his team.

As a result, the University bestowed additional training on the boundaries of religious expression in public insтιтutions.

Deion Sanders refuses to stop using religious practices while running Colorado's football team

Deion Sanders refuses to stop using religious practices while running Colorado’s football team

Sanders has paraded his Christian beliefs since taking over the football program in Boulder

Sanders has paraded his Christian beliefs since taking over the football program in Boulder 

Read More Bill Belichick stuns fans by hoisting swimsuit-clad Jordon Hudson over his head amid health concerns article image

Nonetheless, the coach continued to parade his beliefs by sharing faith-based messages on social media and engaging in team prayers.

Sanders also received backing from First Liberty Insтιтute after the letter was sent behind Colorado’s win over Baylor.

First Liberty argued that FFRF is incorrectly applying the law and Sanders’ actions are protected under the tradition of public prayer dating back to the founding of the United States. They pointed to the precedent of chaplain programs in public spaces, such as locker rooms, which is embedded within the US religious culture.

In 2022, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games, deciding it was private expression.

However, Sanders’ practice of praying in the locker room led to concerns of coerced participation.

Still, Sanders has already hinted at not changing his approach. Earlier this week, Sanders had Hollywood star and licensed minister Denzel Washington speak to the team days into spring training.

‘And now 50 years later, I get the opportunity with the University of Colorado football team to really… practice it with ya’ll,’ Washington told the team, as documented by The Pregame Network. ‘I’m not preaching to you or at you. I’m sharing my experience with you.’

Some of Sanders’ latest posts on X include ‘Thank you Lord for everything’ and ‘Thank you JESUS!’

Related Posts

Fan sues NFL for 0m over Shedeur Sanders draft drama that caused ’emotional distress and trauma’

Fan sues NFL for $100m over Shedeur Sanders draft drama that caused ’emotional distress and trauma’

Pre-draft reports that Shedeur Sanders ‘tanked interviews,’ ‘wasn’t prepared,’ and ‘was too cocky’ in meetings with NFL teams not only hurt the former Colorado quarterback, but also…

Bills GM reveals Hailee Steinfeld’s surprise off-field impact at Buffalo since her engagement to Josh Allen

Bills GM reveals Hailee Steinfeld’s surprise off-field impact at Buffalo since her engagement to Josh Allen

Bills general manager Brandon Beane has lifted the lid on the impact Hailee Steinfeld has had since she began dating Josh Allen. Together, Bills quarterback Allen and…

Bill Belichick gets brutal message about Jordon Hudson from a loyal New England Patriots hero

Bill Belichick gets brutal message about Jordon Hudson from a loyal New England Patriots hero

Bill Belichick’s 49-years-younger girlfriend Jordon Hudson is becoming something he would never have accepted as New England Patriots head coach – a distraction from football.  That’s according…

Tyreek Hill shares groggy picture from hospital bed after another offseason surgery

Tyreek Hill shares groggy picture from hospital bed after another offseason surgery

Tyreek Hill has had a second procedure on his wrist, posting from his hospital bed on Wednesday that everything went according to plan. Hill had an initial…

Cleveland Browns’ No 1 quarterback revealed after drafting Shedeur Sanders amid Deshaun Watson injury

Cleveland Browns’ No 1 quarterback revealed after drafting Shedeur Sanders amid Deshaun Watson injury

Joe Flacco is reportedly in ‘pole position’ to be the Cleveland Browns’ No 1 quarterback heading into the 2025 season. The Browns have a packed quarterback room…

Cowboys sacrifice player to sign George Pickens after huge trade

Cowboys sacrifice player to sign George Pickens after huge trade

The Cowboys have released wide receiver Seth Williams to make room for newly acquired wideout George Pickens, who they brought to Dallas earlier on Wednesday.  Pickens was…