ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. (AP) — A boys’ basketball coach says he’s been placed on leave for praying with his team.
Espanola Valley High School coach Richard Martinez told KOAT- TV he prayed with the athletes he coaches and was suspended as a result. He said he doesn’t know when he’ll be back on the job.
Espanola’s Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez declined to comment on personnel matters, but said Martinez was notified Monday.
The team won a state championship less than two weeks before the suspension.
Martinez said the team winning the school its second state basketball title was like entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
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