Flyers’ Ivan Provorov Draws Mixed Responses with Choice

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov created a controversy by deciding not to participate in Tuesday’s pre-game warmups, during which his teammates wore Pride Night jerseys to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Provorov did play, however, in the Philadelphia Flyers’ 5-2 win over visiting Anaheim.

After the game, Provorov cited his religious beliefs for not taking part in warmups. The Flyers wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape.

Provorov, 26, who is Russian Orthodox, said it was “my choice to stay true to myself and my religion.”

He added that “I respect everybody and respect everybody’s choices.”

Also, in a tweet last night, I mentioned that Flyers coach John Tortorella said Provorov didn’t take warmups because he was against Pride Night. I should have said he strongly implied that.

Provorov’s decision was met with both praise and criticism.

Funny thing is he did actually grow a pair and stood true to what he believes in. This is the land of freedom, who are you to tell him what he believes is wrong. If some body is LGBTQ why do they need hockey players to skate for them? It is beyond ridiculous.

— Michelle Roman (@MichelleRoman88) January 18, 2023

Good for him. @NHL losing fans pandering to every little feel good story they can

— TipToe Crypto (@Tiptoe_Crypto_) January 18, 2023

“City of brotherly love”? Lots of hate towards #Proverov for exercising a moral choice. He expressed respect but didn’t engage. Why are people so anti-choice? Do your own thing. Live and let live.

— Steve B (@SteveB11338009) January 18, 2023

Why should he have to wear a Gay Pride Shirt if he doesn't want to??

— PenKnight (@knight_pen) January 18, 2023

… not that it’s for nothing… But, if photos of Provy from that warm-up were to make their way back to Moscow, it could also mean harassment and issues for his family back home.

— Jansen Press (@CarouselVertigo) January 18, 2023

I will guarantee you that 99% of Flyers fans are more concerned with his Plus/Minus than his religious convictions.

Flyers' Ivan Provorov labeled 'homophobic' as he faces backlash for boycotting team's Pride festivities | Fox Newsm https://t.co/xztq8o9hb8

— AmErican (@Flipper628) January 18, 2023

Respect goes both ways. Provy did not disrespect any group of peoples' beliefs and they also need to respect Provy's right to his beliefs.

— Fred Dalkeith (@DalkeithFred) January 18, 2023

He actually said post game he respect everyone as people.. he just doesn't condone pride behavior so he doesn't back it

Again nobody I'd being hurt or attacked. Hes just not participating

— Steven M (@StevenMToga) January 18, 2023

Because he isn't hurting anyone .. you have your beliefs.. he has his

He don't bother you
You don't bother him

See how easy that is
See how easy life can be when you don't make it about yourself

You do you
He does him

Everyone gets along

— Steven M (@StevenMToga) January 18, 2023

Focus on the positive not the negative, worry about who was there and not who wasn’t. Everyone has a choice, respect it whether you like or not! He wasn’t there for his reasons, you were there for yours, drop it, shut up and move on!

— T-Rev (@TRev56101747) January 18, 2023

Provorov has every right to not participate in pride night if he doesn’t want to. But we have every right to criticize him for being a bigot too. Religion is not an excuse

— Baby JoDa (@nzect24) January 18, 2023

– It will also overshadow the work that Laughton & JVR have done to build relationships with the 2LGBTQ+ community, especially for young kids.
I just googled flyers pride night & instead of articles talking about the night itself / the initiatives ITS ALL ABOUT PROVOROV

(Cont)

— Kel ❤️🖤 (@thathockeylass) January 18, 2023

The criticism:

The Provorov situation is a disaster, how you can let him play that game when he refuses to wear a pride jersey for 15 minutes? How many times in the last 2-3 years have we seen incidents that show the worst aspects of hockey culture and people in hockey? It’s so exhausting

— schnandy bobandy (@Soshchel) January 18, 2023

As much as I disagree with him, Ivan Provorov stood up for what he believes in, and at the end of the day if you can’t accept that how do you expect people to accept what pride night stands for? #flyers #provorov

— Paul (@DelcoPAWXS) January 18, 2023

The “religious beliefs” thing is such crap anyway. No one’s asking him to be gay lol. Just support the people. What religion disallows that? Maybe his homophobic homeland has more to do with it

— Goooooo_Biiiiirrrrdddssss (@AntMan1098) January 18, 2023