Flyers’ Provorov cites religion for boycott on Pride night
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason he did not participate in pregame warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape.
The 26-year-old Provorov boycotted the pregame skate with his teammates before Tuesday night’s game against Anaheim as the Flyers celebrated their annual Pride night in celebration and support of the LGBTQ+ community. He played nearly 23 minutes in Philadelphia’s 5-2 victory.
“I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov said after the game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Big Gay vs. the Russian Orthodox Church, 1st round goes to the Orthodox.
The NHL just got shirted by DeSantis in Florida for their racism, not sure if they’ll kick up too much of a fuss this go round.
Just finished watching a game on Sportsnet and all they could talk about was Ivan Provorov’s refusal to wear the Flyers LGBTQ+ pride night jersey.
Get over it! Stop forcing your religion on to everyone.
Happy to see someone stood their ground. pic.twitter.com/NZ10hD5WT6
— Wake Awake (@WakeAwake1) January 18, 2023
The NHL keeps providing me new reasons why I don’t bother watching any longer.
