Joseph Kennedy, a former high school football coach, has been awarded a $1.7 million settlement from the Bremerton School District in Washington State after being dismissed for leading prayers with his players. The district agreed to compensate Kennedy with $1,775,000 and also granted him a $5,304 stipend for serving as an assistant coach during the 2023 football season. Furthermore, Kennedy has been given authorization to return to Bremerton High School to serve as an assistant coach.

In a statement, the district emphasized its commitment to moving forward and providing the best education possible for its students. The settlement marks the conclusion of nearly eight years of legal battles, allowing both parties to finally put the issue behind them.

This settlement follows a June 2022 ruling by the Supreme Court, which sided with Kennedy in a 6-3 vote. The court affirmed Kennedy’s constitutional right to kneel next to student-athletes and pray on the field following games.

Kennedy expressed relief and gratitude for the ruling, feeling vindicated by the decision. He began praying alone on the 50-yard line after games in 2008, with his players gradually joining him over time. Although Kennedy ceased conducting prayers in the locker room in 2015 after concerns were raised by some athletes, he continued to pray on the field after games. As a result, he was placed on paid leave and not rehired for the subsequent season for violating district policies.

Despite the setback, Kennedy persisted in fighting for his right to pray with his players, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision in his favor and the subsequent settlement with the Bremerton School District.