Ivan the Terrible? Not so fast.
According to a report from Fox News, Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov was blasted by lefties after opting out of the organization’s pride festivities; “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” he said.
From Fox News:
Provorov didn’t participate in pregame warmups when the team wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape. He cited his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason why he didn’t participate. He eventually played in the game against the Anaheim Ducks.
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” he told reporters after the game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”
…
Flyers coach John Tortorella explained the situation after the game.
“I think the organization has sent out a release regarding the beliefs that we have,” he said, via Philly Hockey Now. “It was really a great night. With Provy, he is being true to himself and to his religion. This has to do with his beliefs and his religion. That is one thing I respect about Provy, he is always true to himself, so that’s where we’re at with that.”
Tortorella thought it would be “unfair” to bench him for his beliefs.
Provorov was blasted on social media —many accusing him of being homophobic and hiding behind religion.
But Provorov obviously does not respect “everyone”. If he did respect everyone, he would have taken part in warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey. Don’t hide behind religion. https://t.co/Qk6dTgAnmP
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 18, 2023
1. Ivan Provorov had the right to refuse to participate in the Pride Night activities in Philadelphia.
2. The Flyers should have responded by not allowing him to play in the game.
3. Freedom of expression doesn’t give you freedom from the consequences of your words or actions. https://t.co/9fdffAQk1N
— Gord Miller 🌻🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) January 18, 2023
Being LGBT+ is not a "choice." Being ignorant, obnoxious, and homophobic is a choice.
Ivan Provorov wasn't wearing uniform tonight and the @NHLFlyers should not have let him play. Stop letting bigots hide behind their cherry-picked religion. Do better. https://t.co/WTnqibGsXj
— Rachael Millanta (@rachaelmillanta) January 18, 2023
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
Of course, Ivan Provorov is more than happy to play pregame dress-up when it does align with his belief system. pic.twitter.com/rOG0uoCsf4
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 18, 2023
More over at Fox News:
Flyers' Ivan Provorov labeled 'homophobic' as he faces backlash for boycotting team's Pride festivities https://t.co/La0sjCHpTG
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 18, 2023