Bremerton coach stole the spotlight from high school seniors

We’ve talked at length about whether it’s right or wrong for Joe Kennedy, a Bremerton High School assistant football coach, to pray on the field after a game with his players. I’ve explained why I think it’s a bad idea, and you might agree or disagree, but let’s put that aside for a second.

Last night, there were more people in the stands and news cameras on the field than probably ever before at a Bremerton High School football game. It was also senior night. And imagine how exciting it was for all the players. Except, the crowd (not all of them at least) and cameras weren’t there for the game. They showed up to see what Coach Kennedy, now suspended from his job, would do in the stands.

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As a coach, I can appreciate his wanting to show up and support his players, but with all the attention he now demands, wouldn’t it be better if he’d stayed home last night? Or found some way to watch from a distance and let the players have their night?

Photos from Thursday night’s spectacle

His lawsuit is almost certainly going forward and I hear he’s even got an exclusive on The O’Reilly Factor set up on Monday. The point is, he’s getting plenty of attention. But all those seniors playing last night, that was their night. The crowd should have been focused on them. Maybe Coach Kennedy should think about that next time he wants to go watch a game.