Football coach Mark Mariakis (left) and superintendent of schools Damon Raines speak to reporters Wednesday afternoon during a news conference at Ridgeland High School. (Messenger photos/Matt Ledger)
“The Walker County Board of Education feels that we are in compliance with all federal and state laws and will continue to monitor and scrutinize areas that are considered questionable,” Raines said.
The FFRF is alleging that coach Mariakis allowed churches to prepare meals and feed the football team, including at least one meal that included preaching; led prays with his team after games; used Bible verses in motivational speeches and on team shirts; and held Christian football camps during summer break. The foundation delivered its first complaint on Aug. 21.
A review of the allegations has been conducted and a response letter is being finalized, to be sent to the FFRF Thursday, Raines said.
“We will still continue to have pre-game meals in the manner that we have,” Raines said. “We have a large amount of community support in Walker County and we are proud of that tradition. There will be certain areas of (pre-game meals) that we will take into consideration and if we have to change certain practices then we will.”
Further details on those changes will be in the response letter to the FFRF, such as if coach Mariakis led the team in prayer.
“There were a number of false allegations and those are addressed in the response letter,” Raines said. “Student-led prayer will be up to the student and that will be their choice.”
He clarified that students are not forced into those situations and can remove themselves if desired.
He also addressed the allegation about football player attendance at a football camp run by a Christian ministry. Players receive a bunk, meals and a practice field.
“There is no religious activity happening at that camp,” Raines said.
Mariakis thanked several faculty members, students and the community for support
“It has been overwhelming and humbling,” Mariakis said, describing comments he has received from “the people from around this great nation.”
“At this point, I think the issues have been aired and all questions carefully addressed,” he said. “We will continue to foster positive relationships with our players as we strive for excellence on the field of play.”
"Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
I can't wait for your response to show that you are so well educated on our constitution.