[jcmanson]

Not sure if any of you have heard of this, but Arkansas State (Sun Belt member) must remove cross decals from the back of their helmets that they were wearing to honor 2 teammates who passed away.

Here's more background info on the story - http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/ar ... d-religion

Here's a statement from their AD just today:
"I am 100 percent in support of our coaches' and players' expression of faith, as well as their choice to honor the two individuals associated with our team who passed away by voluntarily wearing a cross decal on the back of their helmets. Unfortunately, we have received a complaint that use of the cross violates the Constitutional prohibition against separation of church and state.

"After consulting with University counsel, we have been advised to either modify the decal or remove it completely. Thus, in order to ensure that we are in full compliance with Constitutional law, we will be modifying the decal to still honor the two individuals who are no longer with us."

[jcmanson]

Here's more on it from Dan Wolken at the USA Today - http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc ... /15402697/

[PAmedic]

"Constitutional prohibition against separation of church and state"

I love this line

seeing as it doesnt actually exist

we are so screwed in this country

[jbock13]

Reminds me of the Christine O'Donnell and Dan Coons debate where students of a law school actually laughed when she stated that the separation of church and state didn't originate from the consititution.

[Sly Fox]

Somehow our school's reputation is being drawn into this matter due to journalistic laziness at a student news outlet ...

Arkansas State University responds to Liberty University concerning decals

By JOHNATHAN REAVES

Arkansas State University says the placement of crosses on the back of football helmets was inappropriate. The crosses were to memorialize Markel Owens and Barry Weyer. In a letter the Liberty University, the school said it would not restore crosses bearing the initials of the two former students, but it say that players will be allowed to remember the two students in their own way. Read the full context of the letter below. The letter is addressed to Hiram Sasser, Director of Strategic Litigation at Liberty Institute.

Click Here for Full Story

[alabama24]

The decals will now be allowed... if the student athlete pays for them.

[jbock13]

Maybe we could use the same "they are poor student athletes who can't afford to pay for anything" excuse, like in the stipend debate. Assuming we're dealing with rational individuals, which is not the case.