Despite his ‘unconstitutional’ methods at Colorado, Deion Sanders does not intend to use team prayers or chaplains.
The 57-year-old icon is a devout Christian who continues to live his faith at the helm in Boulder. Sanders has added faith-based practices to the Buffaloes schedule since taking over the program.
Coach Prime frequently employs chaplains, such as Pastor E. Dewey Smith, to motivate and educate his athletes. However, Colorado received a letter this season asking Sanders to discontinue mandatory prayers and the use of chaplains.
According to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, having spiritual advisors lead a team in prayer at a public institution constitutes religious coercion. The FFRF claimed that the practice violates the rights of players and staff members who do not hold the same beliefs.
The FFRF has confronted Sanders several times before. When he joined the program prior to the 2023 season, the foundation questioned his open displays of faith in his team.
As a result, the university provided additional training on the boundaries of religious expression in public institutions.
Nonetheless, the coach continued to promote his beliefs by posting faith-based messages on social media and participating in team prayers.
Sanders also received support from the First Liberty Institute after the letter was sent following Colorado’s victory over Baylor.
First Liberty argued that the FFRF is applying the law incorrectly, and Sanders’ actions are protected by the tradition of public prayer that dates back to the founding of the United States. They cited the precedent of chaplain programs in public places, such as locker rooms, which is embedded in American religious culture.
In 2022, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games, stating that it was private expression.
However, Sanders’ practice of praying in the locker room raised concerns about coerced participation.
Sanders has already hinted that he will not change his approach. Earlier this week, Sanders invited Hollywood star and licensed minister Denzel Washington to speak to the team just days into spring training.
According to The Pregame Network, Washington expressed his excitement for the opportunity to practice with the University of Colorado football team 50 years later. I am not preaching to or at you. I am sharing my experience with you.
Sanders’ recent posts on X include ‘Thank you Lord for everything’ and ‘Thank you JESUS!’.
