Bench Is Not A Free Speech Zone, says USA Hockey Coach

USA Hockey Coach Tortorella Threatens Disobedient Players

by Josh Guckert

On Tuesday, Team USA hockey Coach John Tortorella commented on the topic underlying the controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick. Said Tortorella, “If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game.”

Since Kaepernick began his peaceful protest, other athletes have joined him, including Jeremy Lane of the Seattle Seahawks and American soccer player Megan Rapinoe.

The Team USA hockey team apparently does not receive government funding, and is therefore not bound by the First Amendment. However, such a statement by Tortorella would nonetheless seemingly go against the principles of the United States.

Many conservatives have claimed that protesters are dishonoring American veterans by refusing to stand. Others have insisted that these athletes should leave the country if they have qualms about the anthem. However, they are merely exercising the rights which supposedly embody American values.

In Kaepernick’s case, he is protesting perceived racial injustices. While some may question the marketing of these grievances, his personal feelings cannot be brushed aside or simply discarded. It is true that he makes a large amount of money, but he is using his platform for the others who do not have the same opportunities.

Watch President Obama’s statement on Colin Kaepernick below: