FFRF files complaint against Ridgeland coach
A Wisconsin-based group has filed a complaint against a Walker County football coach for violating separation of church and state. Freedom From Religion Foundation says coach Mark Mariakis has, among other wrongs, allowed churches to prepare meals for his players. The complaint alleges, for example, that Solid Rock Baptist Church in Flintstone held a dinner in which a church leader “preached” to the team. There are other, equally serious, violations, said Andrew Seidel with the foundation, which consists of “atheists, agnostics, freethink- Mark Mariakis at the center of a church/state separation debate. ers, heretics and nonbelievers,” according to its website. Seidel said there are allegations that Mariakis, who participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, prayed with his team after games, used Bible verses in motivational speeches and on team shirts, and held Christian football camps during summer break. “I do have reservations about (Mariakis’) ability to keep his religion out of his job,” Seidel said. “He seems to be very proud that he mixes football and God, which would be fine if he were at a private Christian school. But as a public high school coach, that’s unconstitutional.” It is one of more than 1,600 complaints filed by persons who have alleged similar transgressions in 2012, according
to the foundation. Seidel said the foundation filed the complaint Tuesday, Aug. 21, with the Walker County school superintendent. The complaint originated in late July from someone involved with Ridgeland High’s football program, he said. Seidel declined to say who filed the initial complaint, in order to protect the person from possible retributions from the public. Walker County school superintendent Daymon Raines said school officials are reviewing the complaint. “Our first step is to look at the allegations and then begin to look into it in the manner of which we should,” Raines said last week. “We are getting more information that gives us plenty to review and then we will work through the process.” “Currently there is no (Walker County school) board policy that provides oversight in regard team Chaplin teammate.” “Prayer is a tradition at Ridgeland High School not just for football but every single sport,” Cole Chapman said. “Coach Mariakis was not a judgmental person if you were not of the same religion/beliefs as him then he would be totally understanding of that.” “Not one single person was forced into prayer, and if any one felt uncomfortable they could be excused,” he or a fellow votes received as well as in the number of attendees to the awards ceremonies,” said Snodgrass. “Our hopes are that the contest will continue to grow over the next several years. We hope to offer new advertising avenues for our winners as well as new categories with the changing times. “I believe that this contest gives our community something to look forward to each fall,” she said. “It is a friendly competition in which people are allowed to give their opinions on what they believe are the best businesses and service providers in Walker County.” The contest not only