What to know about the Deion Sanders prayer controversy at University of Colorado

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders, known as “Coach Prime,” is in a religious freedom debate. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is pressuring Sanders to stop praying with his players in the locker room, citing concerns about the separation of church and state at a public university.

The incident:

• After a game against Baylor in September 2024, Sanders held a team prayer in the locker room.
• Pastor E. Dewey Smith from the House of Hope in Atlanta delivered the prayer.
• The FFRF claims Mr. Smith appears to be acting as the football team’s chaplain.

FFRF’s objections:

• The FFRF sent a letter to the University of Colorado on September 24, 2024.
• They demanded that Sanders “cease infusing the football program with Christianity.”
• The foundation argues Sanders is forcing his religious practices on student athletes.

Legal context:

• The FFRF cites Supreme Court decisions that have struck down school-sponsored proselytizing in public schools.
• They argue that the recent Kennedy v. Bremerton School District decision doesn’t change precedents against coercive prayer practices.

Previous interaction:

• In January 2023, the University of Colorado responded to an earlier FFRF complaint.
• The university stated Sanders had received training on non-discrimination policies and Establishment Clause requirements.
• The FFRF now believes Sanders was not as receptive to the training as initially thought.

Defense of Sanders:

• The First Liberty Institute has come to Sanders’ defense.
• They argue that public prayer and chaplain programs have a long-standing tradition in America.
• The institute cites the Kennedy v. Bremerton decision as supporting Sanders’ right to engage in religious expression.

Current status:

• The University of Colorado has not yet publicly responded to the latest FFRF letter.
• The FFRF has filed an open records request for documents related to Mr. Smith’s involvement with the team and university policies on religious activities.
• The controversy remains ongoing, with potential implications for religious expression in public university athletic programs.

Read more: Atheist group seeks to block Colorado coach Deion Sanders from holding team prayers