Friends and family packed an Espanola Public Schools board meeting Wednesday night, demanding that one of the district's most beloved basketball coaches be allowed to come back to work.

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Friends, family, and former athletes packed an Espanola Public Schools board meeting Wednesday night, demanding that one of the district's most beloved basketball coaches be allowed to come back to work.Earlier this week, Espanola Valley High's boys' basketball coach Richard Martinez told Action 7 News that he was suspended because he prayed with his team before winning the 5A State Championship over a week ago.Video of the prayer, which surfaced online, shows Martinez leading his team in the Lord's Prayer and then initiating a moment of silence. The entire incident lasts less than one minute.On Wednesday night, EPS Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez confirmed that Martinez was placed on administrative leave after she had received complaints regarding the video.Gutierrez said she had no issue with the prayer. However, she said teachers and faculty members are not allowed to lead students in prayer.Gutierrez said she would have had zero issue with the video if students had initiated the prayer.But most of the community that attended the board meeting could not have cared less about that. Many pledged their support to Martinez during public comment."He's a good man, and he's good for this town," one man said."You won't find a better coach in Espanola Valley," another woman said. That was followed by thunderous applause.Martinez's niece, Krista Martinez, was at the meeting and said her uncle should be reinstated."I think it's outrageous that they suspended him for that," Martinez said. "Espanola is such a religious place and such a religious community."The board didn't discuss Martinez publicly, but the board president did acknowledge everyone's frustrations after public comment.As for how long Martinez could be on leave, Gutierrez said she expects her review of the coach to take a few weeks at most.She also said that the prayer isn't the only reason Martinez is suspended, but wouldn't go into further details.9294662