A Georgia high school football coach was fired after he reportedly held a baptism for some of the players after practice in October.
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Isaac Farrell was dismissed from his position at the Tattnall County High School for other reasons unrelated to the baptism. Still, according to NBC News, Superintendent Kristen Waters said an incident occurred after a game on November 3rd. “The safety and security of our students is paramount to Tattnall County Board of Education. Based on the outcome of an investigation into an incident that occurred Friday night, November 3rd 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,” the statement reads.
“As to any other allegations, the District does not comment during ongoing investigations,” it continued. Weeks before his termination, Farrell invited a pastor to baptize players on school grounds on Oct. 23. A video on the football team’s Facebook page showed the pastor instructing a player to sit in a large tub of water.
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About 20 players participated in the baptism and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. This group calls themselves a “state/church watchdog,” accused the former coach of abusing his position after learning about the incident from a community member. The foundation’s attorney, Chris Line, also wrote a letter to the school district about the baptism and said Farrell should not be allowed to “preach or baptize” to students on November 1.
“We write to request that the District investigate this situation and ensure that this school-sponsored religious coercion ends immediately.All coaches and staff should be instructed regarding their obligations as public school employees.”
One parent said they were glad their son received baptism and didn’t see an issue with the coach’s decision to host one on school grounds. “It was so sweet because you see the boys, and they looked like they wanted it. You know, like everyone looked excited, from the ones I could see,” said mother Latifa Johnson. She found out through the team’s Facebook page.