Handing A Victory To Americans United, Justices Skip New Jersey Legal Contest Over Football Coach’s

[and-justice-for-all]

By Rob Boston

New Jersey football coach Marcus Borden was running out of options. A federal appeals court had rejected the East Brunswick High School official’s argument that he had a right to engage in religious activity with students.

Desperate, Borden’s lawyers threw the legal version of a Hail Mary pass, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a final appeal of his case.

Unfortunately for Borden, the play was not completed. The high court on March 2 announced it will not hear an appeal of Borden’s case. The decision brings the three-year legal battle to an end.

Americans United, which represented the East Brunswick School District on appeal, hailed the court’s action.

“A coach’s job is to teach kids how to play a sport, not promote religion,” said Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “This case is a firm reminder that parents, not school personnel, are the rightful decision-makers when it comes to children’s religious upbringing.”

http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=cs_&page=NewsArticle&id=10351

[Political Tiger]

1. I've never understood this need to pray before a football game

Does God really give a shit which teams wins? What's so Christian about football anyway? Football is more about intimidation ... would Jesus play football? Would Jesus preach 'go out there and beat the shit out of the opposing team?'

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

2. If Jesus played football, he would play for the NY Giants

Amen.

[LostinVA]

8. Yup, so he could raise them from the dead

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

10. One word

Divorce.

[wryter2000]

3. Besides...

Aren't both teams praying? How does God choose?

[wryter2000]

4. I love Americans United

Barry Lynn is one of my heroes.

[bertman]

5. The smart players are praying that they don't break their neck or back or become

brain dead from being speared.

Amen.

[H2O Man]

6. Interesting.

I have not followed that case, and so I'm glad that you posted this. I have a question for you (or anyone who might know):

Had Borden's case been decided in New Jersey's Supreme Court? I ask because it had enjoyed a reputation as being one of the best in any state .... perhaps in the nation. Relatively few cases they decide, excepting those that have split decisions, seem to get overturned. Borden's attorneys should have realized they had little to no chance going directly to the USSC.

[zbdent]

7. but have the self-same coach be seen holding hands with another man ...

and suddenly, his personal life would be very much subject to the scrutiny of the right, and his ass would have been fired at the demand of those wielding pitchforks and torches ...

[LostinVA]

9. Not in New Jersey -- they have probably teh best anti-discrimination laws in the US

He would be fine.