Flyers' Ivan Provorov Labeled 'Homophobic' as He Faces Backlash for Boycotting Team's Pride Festivities

[Phil]

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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."

 

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"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.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/flyers-ivan-provorov-labeled-homophobic-faces-backlash-boycotting-teams-pride-fetivities.amp