Over the past few years many athletes have taken stances aligning with social movements popular among Americans. Some athletes have been shunned and torn apart by the media for not showing their support relative to LGBTQ+ and BLM movements, but the exact opposite happened to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov after he refused to take part in a “Pride” event prior to a match with the Anaheim Ducks.
A pregame skate included players donning Pride-themed jerseys displaying their names in rainbow colors while holding hockey sticks that were wrapped in rainbow-colored tape.
The event that Provorov refused to partake in consisted of players from the Flyers and Ducks skating around the arena in rainbow colored Pride-themed jerseys along with holding rainbow wrapped hockey sticks prior to their contest.
When asked why he refused to attend the event, Provorov respectfully cited that his religious beliefs as a Russian Orthodox, a form of Christianity, don’t align with the LGBTQ+ movement.
Provorov kept it short following the game, telling reporters “I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Wanting to focus on his profession Provorov said “That’s all I’m gonna comment on that. If you have any hockey questions, I would answer those,” when pressed by reporters.
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov on refusing to wear a rainbow jersey for warm ups during “Pride Night” due to his Russian Orthodox faith.
pic.twitter.com/wCUl8slmRB— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 18, 2023
Following a 5-2 victory by the Flyers, head coach John Tortorella defended Provorov at a press conference saying, “He’s being true to himself and his religion.”
Tortorella continued saying, “It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself.”
When asked about the possibility of benching Provorov for refusing to take part in the event Tortorella simply stated “No no,” continuing that the event was a great night of celebrating the LGTBQ+ movement.
Flyers head coach John Tortorella defended Provy and refused to bench him tonight:
“He’s being true to himself.”
pic.twitter.com/ZPbbKMqFi1— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 18, 2023
What do you think of Provorov’s refusal to partake in the LGBTQ+ event? Let us know in our Facebook comments!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on America? Click Here
Follow Raging Americans on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram