Stephen A. Smith wants John Tortorella fired as Team USA head coach (Video)

Stephen A. Smith wants John Tortorella to be fired as Team USA’s head coach for his comments about players who sit for the national anthem. 

Ever since Skip Bayless left First Take, Stephen A. Smith seems to be trying to replace him with some ludicrous hot takes. On Tuesday, Team USA head coach John Tortorella said that he would bench any player who sits for the national anthem. Smith, who has been supportive of Colin Kaepernick’s actions, said on Wednesday morning’s show that Tortorella should be stripped of his title for his comments.

While Smith is right in criticizing Tortorella’s opinion and pointing out the hypocrisy of it, Tortorella should not be fired for his comments. Don’t bring back him or general manager Dean Lombardi should their questionable roster decisions prove costly, but you shouldn’t fire Tortorella for making those comments.

Tortorella has every right to speak his mind just as Kaepernick does. While the first amendment’s freedom of speech does not prevent all forms of punishment, Tortorella is simply speaking his mind. His opinion might be a bit controversial, but there’s no harm in it.

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That said, Tortorella’s comments are quite hypocritical. He clarified them today, but that did nothing to help.

So Tortorella is not against athletes expressing themselves unless it involves disrespecting the American flag. The same veterans that fought for Tortorella’s right to express his opinion also fought for Kaepernick’s right to protest the national anthem. Freedom of speech goes both ways. You are free to say whatever you want without fear of punishment from the government or its agencies. Others are also free to criticize your opinion without that fear.

Tortorella will have a tough job ahead of him. He will try to help the United States find some redemption after an embarrassing performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics.