ASU to modify cross decal after complaint

Arkansas State University’s athletic department announced Wednesday that it is modifying a football helmet decal meant to honor a deceased player and manager after a complaint was issued about the cross-shaped design.

ASU Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Jerry Scott said the complaint was issued after the Red Wolves played the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday.

Scott said the players have worn the decals for two games during the 2014 season, including the Tennessee game.

The decal on some football players' helmets was a white cross with the initials “B.W.” and “M.O.” on it, which stand for former player Markel Owens and manager Barry Weyer.

ASU Athletic Director Terry Mohajir issued a statement Wednesday addressing the complaints.

“I am 100 percent in support of our coaches’ and players’ expression of faith, as well as their choice to honor the two individuals associated with our team who passed away by voluntarily wearing a cross decal on the back of their helmets. Unfortunately, we have received a complaint that use of the cross violates the Constitutional prohibition against separation of church and state,” he said in the statement.

“After consulting with University counsel, we have been advised to either modify the decal or remove it completely. Thus, in order to ensure that we are in full compliance with Constitutional law, we will be modifying the decal to still honor the two individuals who are no longer with us,” Mohajir said.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more on this story.

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