Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella changes stance, will allow anthem protests

Add Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella to the growing list of individuals and organizations changing their stances on athletes following in Colin Kaepernick's lead and kneeling during playings of the national anthem to protest police violence and racial injustices. 

As noted by ESPN back in 2016 — when Kaepernick first began his silent protests ahead of San Francisco 49ers games — Tortorella, who was Team USA coach at the World Cup of Hockey, threatened to bench any players who knelt as "The Star-Spangled Banner" played before the opening faceoff. 

On Wednesday, though, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported Tortorella sees things differently amid the protests over the killing of George Floyd, an African American man who died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 after a white officer kneeled on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. 

Tortorella told The Athletic: 

"I have learned over the years, listening and watching, that men and women who choose to kneel during this time mean no disrespect toward the flag. 

“I would hope that if one of my players wanted to protest during the anthem, he would bring it to me and we would talk about it, tell me his thoughts and what he wanted to do. From there, we would bring it to the team to discuss it, much like it’s being discussed in our country right now. 

“How can we rectify some of these problems?"

Tortorella explained that, in his ideal situation, he would like to see such polarizing contemplative moments occur separated from anthems ("O Canada" also plays ahead of games involving any Canadian NHL clubs):

"Why do we have to choose sides during this time? Can we not share a moment of unity and reflection prior to the national anthem dedicated to protesting the racial injustice in our world? 

“It’s my choice to stand in respect and gratitude to those who have and still serve to protect our country and constitution and the civil rights of all people. This is by no means a show of disrespect. My family and I care deeply about the families who have suffered loss from unfair, unjust treatment. We support the peaceful protest for change.”

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees recently changed his opinion on mid-anthem protests. The German Bundesliga and English Football Association reversed protocols that punished footballers for political demonstrations during matches. U.S. Soccer could shift its position on banning players who kneel during the anthem. 

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber voiced support for players who wish to kneel before kickoffs. The International Olympic Committee may vote to allow kneeling and other protests at the 2021 Summer Games. On the same day that NASCAR banned Confederate flags at all sanctioned events, the promotion also eased guidelines regarding how drivers, team officials and others conduct themselves during the anthem.