Just a day after former Capital Joel Ward indicated that he would consider taking a knee during the national anthem, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz added his thoughts on the form of protest against racial injustice.

After Wednesday’s morning skate, Trotz said that he will not be speaking to the Capitals players about the protest, but that he would support any decisions they made. He cited the freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the United States.

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“That’s the great thing about our country. We get to speak our piece, if you will, without sometimes ramifications,” Trotz said. “Other countries, there’s dire consequences if you speak up. That’s the gift of living in the United States and people can express it and I’ll support anybody for that.”

While he didn’t speak directly on the motivations for the protest, he did indicate that he does not believe that kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner is disrespectful, but rather makes a poignant statement about injustice.

“For me personally, we’re honoring the flag. We’re maybe not honoring some of the things that are going on in our country,” Trotz said.

The Capitals will compete against the New Jersey Devils tonight in their first preseason game since the controversial protests captured the attention of both sports and politics. No Caps players have yet indicated that they will kneel during the anthem.

Headline photo: Minas Panagiotakis