COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Air Force football coach Fisher DeBerry, who was asked to remove a Christian banner from his locker room last season, said he'll consider continuing team prayers after football games.
"It's something we will have to consider, but this is our foundation and this is what we're all about in Falcon football. I don't think you separate religion from normal, everyday life," he told The Gazette of Colorado Springs. "Religion is a part of life," he said. "Football, academics, military training — everything."
Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa said DeBerry can lead postgame prayers if they don't promote a particular religion.
"He understands he has a right to express his beliefs, but any type of coercion isn't allowed," Rosa said. "He is the last guy I think that wants to offend anybody."
Surveys have shown some cadets feel Christians get preferential treatment at the school, and non-Christians have reported being harassed.
In November, academy officials launched sensitivity training and asked DeBerry to remove a locker room banner saying "I am a Christian first and last. . . . I am a member of Team Jesus Christ."