Complaint filed against Clemson football for religious activity
Clemson University received a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, charging that the football program is too entangled with Christianity, The State reported.
The foundation’s attorney, Patrick Elliott, said that religion “seems interwoven into Clemson’s football program” and that the group wants the team’s leadership, including coach Dabo Swinney, to stop leading prayers, sermons and “church days.”
Elliott also referenced how chaplain James Trapp is an employee of the state and should not use his position to advocate for his own religion and its practices. According to Elliott, Trapp’s job prevents him from using his position to “proselytize.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation also said it does not believe that those religious activities are led by students but by the coaching staff itself.
Former USC football players wanted for questioning
TMZ on Tuesday reported that former USC football players Victor Hampton and Kelcy Quarles, who are expected to be second- or third-round picks in the NFL draft, are wanted for questioning by the New York Police Department.
Reached by The State, Quarles, a formed defensive tackle, said he had nothing to do with the fight and hopes his name is cleared before his draft status is affected. Hampton hung up on a reporter.
TMZ reported that a club promoter was attacked by three men, suffering “extensive facial injuries.” NYPD said the investigation is ongoing.
Quarles, Hampton, Chaz Sutton, Connor Shaw and Bruce Ellington were all in New York last week for an ESPN The Magazine photo shoot.
Funeral planned for young girl shot at birthday party
A funeral has been planned for the 7-year-old Lexington girl who was accidentally shot by a 5-year-old boy at a birthday party Saturday, The Associated Press reported.
Reaching for a toy pistol in the trunk of a car, the young boy accidentally grabbed a loaded rifle. When the rifle fired, the bullet went through the car, and Juliet Lynch was hit by its fragments. She later died.
Sheriff James Metts said the gun belonged to the boy’s mother’s boyfriend. The mother said she was unaware that the loaded rifle was in the trunk.
Lexington County deputies said they are still investigating the shooting.
To help the family help pay for Lynch’s funeral on Saturday, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo bank branch.