It is appalling to see individuals abusing their authority and mistreating others in such a manner.
Several high school football coaches in Ohio are currently under scrutiny as they have been placed on administrative leave for instructing a team player to consume pepperoni pizza against his religious beliefs. The 17-year-old, who follows the Hebrew Israelite faith and abstains from pork, reportedly tried to refuse eating it.
Head coach Marcus Wattley of McKinley Senior High School and seven assistant coaches are facing allegations of infringing upon the player’s First Amendment rights. The player’s family intends to take legal action against the school district.
The player was coerced into eating the pizza as a form of punishment for missing a practice session.
“According to Gilbert who informed The Washington Post, the 17-year-old, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was verbally harassed by the coaches and felt pressured by his teammates to violate his religious dietary restrictions.
Wattley and assistant coaches Badre El Bardawil, Cade Brodie, Joshua Grimsley, Romero Harris, Frank McLeod, Zachary Sweat, and Tyler Thatcher were placed on paid administrative leave after a complaint brought the situation to the attention of the district’s superintendent, as reported by the Canton Repository.”
The player reportedly reiterated his inability to eat the pizza about 10 times due to his religious convictions, yet his appeals were dismissed.
He is currently receiving counseling support.
