The Northwest (Tenn.) High School assistant football coach, who last weekend was removed from the game after complaints that he was “proselytizing” to students when initiating a team prayer, has been put on leave.
Trey Campbell held a bible as he asked players to gather around him to pray. At that time, Northwest principal Brandi Blackley asked Campbell to put the bible away. When Campbell refused to comply with Blackley’s request, he was escorted out of the game.
Related: HS Football Coach Ejected From Game for ‘Proselytizing’ and Initiating Team Prayer
According to Clarksville Now, Clarksville-Montgomery County School officials received complaints that Campbell was overstepping in his role as a school employee and proselytizing to the students — working to convert someone.
“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office firmly stands behind any citizen who chooses to lawfully exercise their constitutional rights. This includes our employees,” said sheriff John Fuson, who oversees Campbell in his position as school resource officer. “As a man of faith, I was equally concerned about the initial information regarding this and how it appeared to have been handled. With that, I also acknowledge that there are always two sides to consider. The incident involving Coach Campbell, in his capacity as a volunteer assistant coach with Northwest High School is being reviewed by CMCSS.”
CMCS is conducting an investigation into Campbell’s behavior at the football game. However, not everyone believes what Campbell did requires any investigation. Parents of Northwest High School students spoke with KBTX, saying, “My son, who’s of a different religion than him [Campbell], never, ever felt like he was being pushed in any direction when it came to religion. A prayer was offered, and he could include himself or not include himself. It was up to him, and I’m OK with that.”
Said Fuson, “Once the CMCSS review is complete, we will move forward in the most positive direction for our agency.”
