Arkansas State to remove cross from football helmets after complaint

Arkansas State University announced it will remove a cross from the back of its football helmets after receiving a complaint.

Athletic director Terry Mohajir released a statement (via KAIT8) explaining the move:

"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. 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."

Defensive lineman Markel Owens was killed in a shooting in January, and equipment manager Barry Weyer, Jr. died in a car accident in June.

The AD explained Wednesday that an attorney contacted the school and expressed concern about a religious symbol appearing on a public university's equipment.

[H/T College Football Talk]