FOX News. Former high school football coach Joe Kennedy, who was fired for praying after each game, is fighting to get his job back in time for the season. But, more important, he told Fox News, he’s fighting for the rights of all Americans.
Kennedy, inspired by the faith-based film, Facing the Giants, started kneeling in a silent, 15-second prayer at the 50-yard line at the end of every game. The Bremerton High School coach started alone, but was quickly joined by his team and oftentimes, members from the opposing team.
However, the Bremerton School District in Washington State didn’t approve, and in 2015, the district suspended and later fired the retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, who did a combat tour during Operation Desert Storm, for not stopping his public act. Although the Supreme Court declined to take his case earlier this year, Kennedy’s attorney is hopeful an audible could get him back in the game.
Four justices — in a statement issued by Justice Samuel Alito and joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — said the case “of the free speech rights of public school teachers is troubling and may justify review in the future” if more facts are revealed in a lower court.
First Liberty Institute lawyer Mike Berry is hopeful the district court in Tacoma will be favorable and could get him back on the field as soon as this season.
“The Supreme Court said there were unresolved questions and we’re getting answers,” Berry added. “We look forward to taking Coach Kennedy’s case back up to the Supreme Court, if necessary, and restore this man’s rights. He fought for our country in the Marine Corps. They didn’t teach him how to quit in the Marines and we’re not going to quit.”
