Attributing his decision to ‘multiple reasons,’ Joe Kennedy has resigned as assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington state.
Kennedy, known for “taking a knee” in prayer on the field following games, was fired in 2015, but after a long legal battle and a favorable decision from the Supreme Court, he was recently reinstated. He stepped down after only one game.
In a statement on his website, coachjoekennedy.com, he claimed “multiple reasons for his resignation including taking care of an ailing family member out of state.”
Kennedy stated, “I believe I can best continue to advocate for constitutional freedom and religious liberty by working from outside the school system so that is what I will do. I will continue to work to help people understand and embrace the historic ruling at the heart of our case. As a result of our case, we all have more freedom, not less. That should be celebrated and not disrespected.”
Diminished role, deterioration situation
The Seattle Times reports, “Kennedy, already back in Pensacola, Florida, where he and his wife have lived for three years, said he emailed his resignation at 4 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 6) due to a family health situation and what he described as a deteriorating situation at the Bremerton School District.”
In his resignation letter as reported by The Seattle Times, he wrote, “It is apparent that the reinstatement ordered by the Supreme Court will not be fully followed after a series of actions meant to diminish my role and single me out in what I can only believe is retaliation by the school district.”
His resignation is pending with the school board.
On his website, Kennedy concluded his statement saying, “I appreciate the people of Bremerton, the coaches, staff and especially the students and wish them all well. Bremerton will always be home.”
