U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) commended Auburn's baseball team following criticism from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).
The FFRF sent a demand letter after learning that the team had a chaplain who led prayer and that the practice pullovers featured a cross and "Jesus Won" on the front.
RELATED: Freedom From Religion goes after AU baseball over practice pullovers, prayer
"Our great country was founded on the freedom of religion, not freedom FROM religion," Tuberville told 1819 News. "It's no surprise to see woke groups that hate God and America come after Auburn's baseball team for displaying their faith on practice jerseys. Hiring the first-ever team chaplain at Auburn University is one of the best things I ever did in my coaching career. I saw the positive impacts of offering spiritual support for my players and am glad that Auburn has continued having team chaplains for its student-athletes. I commend Auburn's baseball team, and hope they'll continue to stand firm for their beliefs."
Auburn University baseball's associate director of communications, George Nunnelley, responded that the University is aware of students' constitutional rights and will continue to commit to welcoming all.
"Auburn University is aware of the constitutional rights of all Auburn students, employees, and community members, as well as the constitutional rights of the University," Nunnelley stated. "Auburn will continue its demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment where all members of our community are welcome, valued, respected and engaged."
Baseball players have thanked team chaplain Mason Maners for making a difference in their baseball careers and lives.
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