Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov skipped warmups on Tuesday because he refused to wear the gay pride jersey the team sponsored for its gay pride night game.
Provorov maintained that his Russian Orthodox religion prevents him from supporting the LGBTQ agenda and that is why he chose not to participate in the warmup session where the jerseys and sticks wrapped in gay pride tape were used to celebrate the team’s gay pride night, the New York Post reported.
Provorov noted that everyone is always talking about “choice,” and said, “I respect everybody. I respect everybody’s choices.” He added “my choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
#Flyers Ivan Provorov on his Pride Night pregame boycott :
“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.” pic.twitter.com/YSFKvkyEJC— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) January 18, 2023
The team put out a statement, but did not address the player’s actions directly.
“The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the local LGBTQ+ community,” the statement said. “Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community,” the Flyers said.
There is word that #Flyers’ Ivan Provorov did not participate in warmups tonight because he declined to wear the team-issued Pride Night jersey, celebrating the LGTBQ+ community.
The Flyers offered the following comment.
Provorov is expected to be available to media postgame. pic.twitter.com/h3XEcwErph
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 18, 2023
After the game Tuesday, Flyers coach John Tortorella said he respects Provorov and supports his decision.
“With Provy, he’s being true to himself and his religion,” Tortorella told reporters. “This has to do with his belief and his religion. It’s one thing I respect about Provy is he is always true to himself.”
Torts says Provy didn’t take warmups because he was against Pride Night. He didn’t consider benching him. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/UlWUwQkuf9
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) January 18, 2023
Provorov is not the first pro hockey player to eschew support for the LGBTQ agenda. Back in 2013, Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk drew criticism when he said that he did not support gay marriage because of his Russian Orthodox religion.
Just last year several members of a rugby team in Sydney, Australia, also refused to participate during the team’s gay pride pandering.
About seven members of the Sea Eagles refused to wear the gay pride jersey during the teams game in July last year. Players added that the team planned its gay pride night without consulting them.
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