Seth Jones has 'no problem' with Tortorella's stance on anthem protesters

Seth Jones is fine with head coach John Tortorella's stance on how to handle players that might choose to sit during the national anthem.

With the World Cup of Hockey coming up, and in light of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's ongoing decision to protest during the singing of the U.S. national anthem, Tortotella - coach of the American team - said he'd bench any player that sits out the pre-game tradition.

Jones, who will suit up for North America at the World Cup, and who plays for Tortorella's NHL team in Columbus, doesn't appear to have a problem with the coach's comments.

"I think it's, obviously it's fair," Jones said on Sportsnet's 590 The FAN on Wednesday. "That's obviously his way of doing it. Obviously they're comparing it to the whole Colin Kaepernick thing, but, you know, he's got a right to believe whatever he wants. Obviously, I have no problem. You're not going to see anything from any of us with Torts, so I think I have no problem with that. I'm sure none of the guys do either."

Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown offered a different perspective.

Tortorella, for his part, didn't soften his stance when asked about it again Wednesday after USA's practice.

"It is probably the most disrespectful thing you can do as a U.S. citizen is to bring that in," Tortorella said of sitting during the anthem, according to Scott Burnside of ESPN.

"Because that's our symbol. All for express(ing) yourself. That's what's so great. Everybody does. But no chance when it comes to the flag and the anthem. No chance."