Z-Politics

The Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation calls themselves a “separation of church and state watchdog”. They’re usually known for their efforts to shutdown prayer rallies at schools and Ten Commandments monuments in courthouses, but now it seems that they’ve turned their sights on the University of Georgia’s head football coach Mark Richt.

The group is accusing Richt of unconstitutionally using his “public office” to fundraise for the ministry Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It is a decades-old group that Richt’s brother-in-law, Kevin “Chappy” Hynes, serves with as a chaplain for the University’s football team.

Now, the Foundation has called on UGA President Jere Morehead to abolish the position of chaplain and adopt policies that will make it more difficult for faith and football to intersect.

“The relationship Richt and Hynes have with players highlights the influence these coaches have in their players’ lives and the inherently coercive nature of that relationship,” said the group’s press release.

Richt, a professing Christian, has made no secret of his faith. On and off the field, the Coach is known for sharing his beliefs, which the Freedom from Religion Foundation says abuse the public nature of his position with the University.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation points to a fundraising event Richt held for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2014 at the University’s Butts-Mehre Building (the headquarters of the UGA Athletic Association). Even though Hynes isn’t paid directly by the University, “that doesn’t mitigate the unseemly entanglement” says the group.

“The university is granting Hynes unique access and influence, lending endorsement to his proselytizing,” the Foundation says.

It seems unlikely that the University will cave into the group’s demands, as this is not the first time that Richt’s wide-open faith has drawn attention from critics.

In 2014, the Freedom from Religion Foundation targeted Clemson University’s head coach Dabo Swinney for promoting his faith.

Here’s how Richt responded to the move against Swinney:

“I just don’t think you can mandate anything when it comes to someone’s faith or belief system,” Richt said to Fox5. “…When it comes to my belief system, I’m not saying it’s Georgia’s belief system. It’s just the way I happen to believe.”