A professional hockey player has refused to participate in a team event celebrating LGBT pride.
Ivan Provorov, a defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, declined to wear a special jersey or use a hockey stick adorned with rainbow tape during warm-ups for a game against the Anaheim Ducks.
According to Provorov, his decision was based on his religious beliefs as a Russian Orthodox Christian.
“I respect everybody. I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” he told reporters.
The Flyers’ coach, John Tortorella, also weighed in on the matter, expressing respect for Provorov’s decision.
“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,” Tortorella said.
Twitter users shared mixed responses to the athlete’s decision.
“NHL player Ivan Provorov, a devout Russian Orthodox Christian, refused to wear his team’s pride jersey Tuesday. He said he made a choice to stay true to himself & his faith. This is what courage looks like,” wrote one user.
“Not a Flyers fan. But this man just became one of my favorite players in the NHL. Thank you Ivan Provorov for taking a stand,” another wrote.
“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,” another tweeted.
