NHL star Ivan Provorov isn’t about to be pressured into doing something against his will or his belief system, as he demonstrated this week when he refused to take part in observing “Pride Night” during warm-ups ahead of a game.
The Philadelphia Flyers standout cited his Christian religion for refusing to take part in a show of support for the “LGBTQ+ community.” 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 before a home game against the Anaheim Ducks.
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” Provorov told reporters following the game, adding that his religion is Russian Orthodox while explaining no further.
“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
At another point, Flyers head coach John Tortorella defended Provorov’s decision to do what he chose to do and hold true to his own personal convictions — which is about as American as it gets.
“He’s being true to himself and to his religion. … It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself,” Tortorella said.
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
A reporter went on to ask Tortorella if he considered benching the defenseman over his choice, to which he replied that he did not before moving beyond the subject.
The Flyers beat the Ducks 5-2.
Naturally, the left-wing sports media ripped Provorov for his decision.
“Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers – the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur – after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups,” SB Nation NHL Editorial Director Steph Driver tweeted. “What an absolute disgrace.”
Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers – the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur – after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups.
What an absolute disgrace.
— Steph Driver (@StephaliciousD) January 18, 2023
So — would Driver be so willing to defend, say, “two-parent family night?” How about “respect for law enforcement night?” Or any special event observing a traditional value? You know the answer to that.
Other users took Driver to task for her intolerance.
Typical left-wing Democrat response.
The *most American* thing there is, is to conduct yourself according to your own personal convictions. Like he did.
Your version of America is what Nazis and Communists expect(ed) of their citizens – absolute conformity.
Unreal.
— Dr. Jonny Republic If You Can Keep It 🇺🇸 (@JonDougherty10) January 18, 2023
Not wearing a jersey IS NOT a slur of ANY KIND! Why not be tolerant of his beliefs. You’re tolerant of everyone else’s. Or does freedom of religion not apply when it comes to the LGBTQ agenda?
— Brandi Archambeau❤️🇺🇸🤍🇺🇸💙🇺🇸 (@BrandiArchambe1) January 18, 2023
Free speech is universal, even if it outrages some…
— Deplorable John 3:16 (@johnjcarp61) January 18, 2023
We went from tolerance to “you MUST pledge allegiance to all of our beliefs in public or else” really fast.
I’m glad Provorov gave them the 🖕and I’m glad your upset about it!
— Paul (@_bettercallpaul) January 18, 2023
What we also learned about Driver is that her coverage of the sport is biased, obviously.
