John Tortorella has made a career flapping his mouth in the National Hockey League, so it was no surprise the boisterous Columbus Blue Jackets coach had an opinion on the Colin Kaepernick anthem controversy. Shocker, he wasn’t impressed.
For those living under a rock, Kaepernick, a backup QB with the San Francisco 49ers, silently protested the United States national anthem by sitting down this preseason, due to his belief America actively oppresses black people. Kaepernick’s stance is brave, but, tons of old school white guys didn’t approve or understand his actions. It’s been a hot-take-palooza since Kaepernick took a knee with constant criticism he’s disrespecting the country, the military and just about everyone.
[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]Count Torts among one of the offended parties. Speaking with SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn, Tortorella admitted, “If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game.”
When I asked Team USA coach John Tortorella about Kaepernick protest he told me "If any of my players sit on… https://t.co/CTEDYRG0zm
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) September 6, 2016
In case you’re wondering, the NHL doesn’t have a formal policy in place regarding players boycotting the anthems.
Torts is a proud American. The Boston native is the head coach of team USA (and struggling) at the World Cup and has plenty experience coaching the States in international tournaments. But, being patriotic doesn’t mean he understands what it’s like to be black in the states. Kaepernick’s stance isn’t against the USA. He’s using his platform as an NFL players to take a stance against oppression. Kaepernick is exercising his freedom to protest under the constitution. Tortorella’s anti-Kaepernick comments are pathetic.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown was bang on with his assessment of the situation.
Wouldn't benching a black man for taking a stance only further prove Kap's point of oppression? But hey 🐸☕️ https://t.co/p6aUjXYlq4
— JT Brown (@JTBrown23) September 7, 2016
It might be harsh, but Tortorella is completely wrong here. He has every right to make the comments, but he clearly doesn’t understand Kaepernick’s point. Tortorella is a part of the old-school mentality, which doesn’t lend itself to today’s times. If he benched a protesting player, it would be disgraceful. Tortorella needs to go full awful Deadpool and sew his mouth shut.
