Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella said ahead of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey that he would bench any player who chose to kneel during the playing of the national anthem.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling in protest of police brutality and racial injustice during the 2016 NFL preseason, and the practice has reemerged as a mainstream topic in the aftermath of George Floyd's May 25 killing in Minneapolis police custody.
Tortorella has changed his stance during the past several years—particularly after observing recent protests in Columbus, Ohio, per The Athletic's Aaron Portzline:
"When I stand for the flag and the national anthem, my reflection is solely on the men and women who have given their lives defending our country and constitution and freedom, along with those who are serving today.