On Tuesday night, Philadelphia Flyers’ defenseman Ivan Provorov made a powerful statement against showing support for the team’s Gay Pride Night. Instead of donning a special shirt sponsored by his club in honor of the occasion, the player opted to forgo warmups.
Provorov observed that “option” is a word that is often used and said, “I respect everybody. I respect everybody’s choices.” He added “my choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
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The club deftly avoided addressing their player’s contentious actions with a cleverly worded statement.
“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.
The Flyers’ John Tortorella praised Ivan Provorov’s selection and expressed his love for him after the game on Tuesday.
“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.”
Provorov joins a long list of NHL players who have refused to embrace the LGBTQ agenda out of loyalty to their religion. In 2013, Pavel Datsyuk famously drew criticism when he publicly stated his opposition to gay marriage based on his Russian Orthodox faith.
Members of a Sydney rugby team made news the previous year when they bravely chose not to take part in their team’s celebration of gay pride. Their stubborn attitude demonstrated the significance of and power in sticking up for one’s principles in the face of outside pressure.
When the Sea Eagles introduced their Rainbow Laces-themed shirt in July of last year, they sent a message of inclusiveness and acceptance. However, seven team members declined to participate in protest, claiming that management had moved through with the idea without first seeking their input.
