Voluntary pregame prayers led by coaches before...

Voluntary pregame prayers led by coaches before University of Wisconsin athletic events are unconstitutional, it was ruled by state Attorney General Bronson La Follette at Madison, Wis.

However, La Follette said a few moments of silent meditation in which coaches and players participate may not violate the constitutional separation of church and state if the state does not suggest that prayer is the preferred activity to undertake during the silence.

The late Wisconsin football coach Dave McClain, who died April 28, regularly led his players in pregame prayers.