Richard Martinez says he was suspended for praying

Espanola Valley High School's boys' basketball coach Richard Martinez has been placed on leave. Espanola's Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez confirmed Martinez was given notice Monday.When asked why he was suspended, Gutierrez said she could not elaborate on personnel matters.Martinez spoke to Action 7 News.He said he was suspended for praying with his team, and he did not know when he'd be allowed back to work.The suspension comes less than two weeks after Martinez led the Sundevils to a victory at the state championship. It's only the second state basketball title in the school's history.Many in Espanola were outraged, especially after they said Martinez brought such pride to the city."Huge," said Zach Sanchez. "It's a big deal for this community.""Really?" said Reyna Martinez, from Espanola. "He shouldn't have been put on leave."Martinez described winning the state championship."Words can't describe it. I've tried finding the right words, but I think the closest one is it's magical," he said. "It's like entering the Kingdom of Heaven. That's the closest you'll ever get to being a God. It's a great feeling."

Espanola Valley High School's boys' basketball coach Richard Martinez has been placed on leave. Espanola's Superintendent Bobbie Gutierrez confirmed Martinez was given notice Monday.

When asked why he was suspended, Gutierrez said she could not elaborate on personnel matters.


Martinez spoke to Action 7 News.

He said he was suspended for praying with his team, and he did not know when he'd be allowed back to work.

The suspension comes less than two weeks after Martinez led the Sundevils to a victory at the state championship. It's only the second state basketball title in the school's history.

Many in Espanola were outraged, especially after they said Martinez brought such pride to the city.

"Huge," said Zach Sanchez. "It's a big deal for this community."

"Really?" said Reyna Martinez, from Espanola. "He shouldn't have been put on leave."

Martinez described winning the state championship.

"Words can't describe it. I've tried finding the right words, but I think the closest one is it's magical," he said. "It's like entering the Kingdom of Heaven. That's the closest you'll ever get to being a God. It's a great feeling."