Georgia high school football coach fired after performing post-practice baptism

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Sun Nov 19, 2023, 02:08 PM - Edit history (1)

Georgia high school football coach fired after performing post-practice baptism

By Steven Taranto
17h ago • 1 min read

Tattnall County High School has fired head football coach Isaac Ferrell nearly three weeks after he held a Christian baptism for some of his players after practice. Ferrell, who remains employed by the Tattnall County School District as a teacher, was allegedly fired due to an incident that occurred following a football game on Nov. 3.

According to WSAV, some 20 players were baptized by Pastor Gary Few, at the behest of Ferrell, in a ceremony that took place following practice on Oct. 23. The ceremony elicited complaints from the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which accused Ferrell of "abusing his position" and wrote a letter calling for superintendent Kristen Waters to "ensure that this school-sponsored religious coercion ends immediately."

Despite the negative attention brought to the school district, a statement issued by the superintendent suggested Ferrell's dismissal was not related to the baptism. … "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 of Tattnall County for the 2024-2025 school year," read the statement issued to WSAV. "As to any other allegations, the District does not comment during ongoing investigations."

Despite the separation of church and state concerns raised, some felt that Ferrell's faith made him a positive role model for the players. Latifa Johnson, the mother of a player at Tattnall County, was among those who spoke in support of Ferrell and her son participating in the baptism. … "It was so sweet because you see the boys and they looked like they wanted it," Johnson told WSAV. "You know, like everyone looked excited, from the ones I was able to see. So was cheering thank you, God. Yes, yes, yes. I was all for it."

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[Ocelot II]

1. Baptism??? FFS, what next?

Weddings? Funerals? When did football practice turn into church?

Oh, wait. It's the fundie South.

[Attilatheblond]

5. When Tommy Tubberville started trying to make the US military obey HIS religious view?

Maybe some coaches want better paying jobs/pensions in Congress and see this as a route?

[liberal N proud]

2. Christians everywhere are running to support this guy

All without thinking what their reaction would be if the coach were promoting Muslim teachings.

[walkingman]

3. Without freedom from religion, there is no freedom of religion...

[MOMFUDSKI]

4. A fundie Baptist on our condo board

used to start the meetings with a prayer. That is when we stopped attending. He likes to think of himself as the condo minister. One neighbor fell for it and asked him to pray that her grandson find a job. Disgusting.

[stopdiggin]

6. something happened on the team bus .. ?

so far can't find anybody that is articulating exactly what the incident consisted of .. (maybe something physical?)

But - anybody that is bringing a pastor onto school property to perform baptisms ...
Is essentially throwing a big middle finger to the school, the district - and the law. This is far more that just a case of poor judgement. (would clearly be a different situation if the coach invited team members to some other location - on a voluntary, and off school time, basis - but they deliberately chose not to follow that course.)

This man really needs to be let go from his teaching position too.

[captain queeg]

7. I went to an old timey baptism in Alabama when I was a kid

Everyone gathered around a farm pond and the preacher shoved some kid under the water. That was my recollection. We were visiting an uncle of my dads. I sure thought it was strange. I grew up catholic which is strange enough, but those southern baptists were another level.

[Walleye]

8. Is there a shortage of churches in Georgia?

Americans, including many atheists allow churches to operate tax-free. And this is the way we get socked in the mouth for it.

[CaptainTruth]

9. "you see the boys and they looked like they wanted it"

Said every child abuser, ever.

That line struck me as really creepy.

[JoseBalow]

10. If a mohel shows up to your practice, RUN!