Group calls football chaplaincy 'unconstitutional' at UGA, Ga. Tech

A group that advocates the separation of church and government has called on 20 universities to abolish the team chaplains for their football programs, including the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) recently released a report called “Pray to Play” in which they said Christian coaches and chaplains are converting football fields into mission fields.

The report said Mark Richt and chaplain Kevin “Chappy” Hynes, Richt’s brother-in-law, have used their relationship to push their Christian beliefs on players.

The Associated Press said the Athens Banner-Herald reached out to the UGA Athletic Association, but they didn’t return the newspaper’s call seeking a comment.

The Madison, Wisconsin-based group also called on Georgia Tech President G.P. Peterson to change their program as well.

“Chaplain Derrick Moore is treated like a member of the coaching staff of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, leading pre-game prayers that blend football with religion,” the report said.

FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said “not only is he inappropriately proselytizing, he is being paid by the state to do so.”

View the “Pray to Play” report here.  

READ: FFRF to UGA: Permanently bench football chaplain

READ: FFRF: Unconstitutional football chaplaincy at Georgia Tech