The Wisconisn-based atheist organization known as The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), sent a letter to the Senior Associate General Counsel of Clemson University attacking what it claimed to be “endorsement of religion over nonreligion” in Clemson’s football program.
The FFRF alleged “endorsement of religion” by the team in claims of its encouragement to attend church services, reciting of Scripture, and circulation of Bibles.
The FFRF also referenced coach Dabo Swinney’s invitation to Minister James Trapp to fill the vacancy of the team Chaplain position. The letter alleged that this violates the school’s “Guidelines For Athletic Team Chaplains” which says that students should choose their chaplains and then get approval from the coach.
An article on the Christian environment of Clemson’s football program from The Chronicle of Higher Education described similar practices as those noted by the FFRF.
At Clemson, God is everywhere. The team’s chaplain leads a Bible study for coaches every Monday and Thursday. Another three times a week, the staff gathers for devotionals. Nearly every player shows up at a voluntary chapel service the night before each game.
The players all know the coach’s favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: “Run your race to win, don’t just run the race.”
Coach Swinney made the following statement in a Chronicle of Higher Education article:
“I’ve had Muslims, Catholics—I’ve got two Mormons on this team right now,” Swinney told Wolverton. “When we get out on the football field, it’s not about if you’re a Christian, it’s about who’s the best player.”
Cathy Sams, the university’s chief public affairs officer made a similar statement to the Greenville News:
“No one is required to participate in any religious activities related to the football program,” she said. “It’s purely voluntary. Religion and faith is a big part of Coach Swinney’s personal beliefs, but it is in no way required. There is no mandatory participation.”
Nevertheless, the FFRF made the following statement to the University:
“Coaches should be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their athletes,” FFRF said in its letter. “These young men spend a great deal of time in their coach’s charge, and the coaches through their own example must be sure that athletes are not only treated fairly but also imbued with a sense of community and camaraderie.”