NHL Player Blames His Religion For His Bigotry

Philadelphia Flyers player Ivan Provorov refused to take part in his team's annual Pride Night because of his Russian Orthodox religion.

The Flyers players warmed up before a game against the Anaheim Ducks wearing jerseys with their names and numbers in rainbow colors and their sticks wrapped in rainbow tape. Provorov refused to wear the jersey and cowardly avoided entering the arena saying that he wanted to "stay true to myself and my religion".   He tried to deflect criticism by saying, "I respect everyone. I respect everybody's choices."  Canadian sports pundit Sid Seixeiro called on the NHL to fine the Flyers "$1 million" over Provorov's "insulting" comments. The Sports Network commentator and The Athletic contributor Pierre LeBrun disputed Provorov's claim that he "respects" everyone.   "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," LeBrun said about Provorov.

The Flyers players wore their usual jerseys for the match itself, with Provorov playing 23 minutes in a 5-2 win.   Flyers coach John Tortorella was too afraid to condemn Provorov's decision, saying: "This has to do with his beliefs and his religion. It's one thing I respect about [Provorov], he's always true to himself."  Apparently, even when Provorov is a jerk.

In a statement the Philadelphia Flyers said it is "committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community".    Except that neither the Flyers nor the NHL sanctioned Provorov for his bigotry.    NHL Network senior reporter EJ Hradek suggested the Russian-born Provoroc should go back to his homeland and join the fight against Ukraine if participating in Pride events is "that problematic for him" and wants to feel "more comfortable."

The Russian Orthodox church is infamous for promoting hate and indifference to marginalized people.  The head of the Russian orthodox church has parroted Putin's talking points trying to justify the war and genocide against the Ukrainian people.  Church patriarch Kirill has openly declared that Russia has the right to use force against Ukraine, and that Ukrainians and Russians are one people.  In the aftermath of the Bucha massacre, Kirill praised the Russian armed forces for "feats" of service, saying Russia is "peaceful".  

The Russian orthodox church also sees gay pride parades as part of the reason behind Russian warfare against Ukraine-- believing that Ukraine wants to "enforce" gay pride events upon the local population.