One MInd, One Heart, One Team - or not?

Coach Mariakis

According to an online news posting entitled, "Freedom From Religion Foundation files complaint against Walker County coach," on August 21st, 2012,  the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a complaint against Mr. Mark Mariakas, head football coach at Ridgeland High School, Walker County, Georgia.  Ridgeland is part of the Walker County School System.  The complaint charges Mr. Mariakas with unconstitutional behavior, specifically that he, "prayed with his team, used Bible verses in motivational speeches and on team shirts, and held Christian football camps during summer break." The team also attended a dinner held at a local church, which included religious activities. A representative from the FFRF is quoted as saying, “I do have reservations about (Mariakis’) ability to keep his religion out of his job,” Seidel said. “He seems to be very proud that he mixes football and God, which would be fine if he were at a private Christian school. But as a public high school coach, that’s unconstitutional.”  The FFRF's concern is that religion is being forced on players so that if they don't conform they won't get to play on the team.

This action by the FFRF has generated some controversy in Walker County, located in the northwest corner of Georgia.  Within a week, the Superintendent of the Walker County School System held a press conference at which he expressed the official support of the system for Coach Mariakas.  He rejected the FFRF's complaints as being based on incomplete and incorrect information and affirmed that the school system and the coach were behaving properly according to the law.  According to online statistics (here), Coach Mariakas has proven himself to be a successful coach, leading his team to winning seasons in 6 of his previous eight years, including two 9 - 2 years.  He was quoted at the press conference as saying, ""At this point, I think the issues have been aired and all questions have been carefully addressed. High school athletics, along with academics, are a very important part of the lives of many of our students. We will continue to foster positive relationships with our players as we strive for excellence on the field of play. Like all worthwhile endeavors, successful sports programs require a great commitment of time, effort and hard work. Now is the time for the Ridgeland football team to stay on task and focus on the football season. We have one mind, one heart and one team."

Whatever the merits of each side's case in Walker County, once again two basic rights appear to be in conflict.  Coach Mariakis has a right to live out his faith.  The FFRF appears to be calling on him to compartmentalize that faith, while the coach clearly sees his faith as an important part of his coaching.  He would probably argue that his success as a winning coach is built partly on his faith.  On the other hand, the FFRF claims that its complaint originated with one of the players.  Ridgeland is a public school, and students have a right not to have the religious beliefs of a teacher imposed on them in any way shape or form.

Does the coach cross a line?  Does he impose his religious views on his players?  Or, is he the victim of that apparently unreasonable atheist mentality that will not allow him any expressions of faith (at work) on principle?  Relying only on press accounts, we're not likely to ever know, but I'd like to return to the larger issues involved "next time."