The Philadelphia Flyers hosted its annual Pride Night against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, but thankfully, not every player was eager to show support for this element of the progressive agenda.
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov didn't don a pride-themed warm up jersey, and confirmed with reporters after his team’s 5-2 win that he didn't take part on this publicity stunt because of his religion (Provorov was born in Russia and is, unsurprisingly, Russian Orthodox).
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a rainbow jersey for warm ups during Pride night stating his Russian Orthodox faith.
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 18, 2023
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”pic.twitter.com/YorVLBbcwY
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov said. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
As you might expect, Provorov’s outward display of conviction sent countless people into a frenzy online, with many choosing to slander the defenseman for his beliefs. Funny, I always thought progressives say they don’t tolerate hatred?
The Flyers as an organization also distanced themselves from Provorov and took time to let everyone know they were still a proud ally of the LGBT community.
“The Philadelphia Flyers organization is committed to inclusivity and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our players are active in their support of local LGBTQ+ organizations, and we were proud to host our annual Pride Night again this year. The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community,” Philly said in a statement.
But perhaps the biggest meltdown came courtesy of ESPN NHL senior writer Greg Wyshynski, who blasted Provorov for not wearing a pride jersey on Tuesday, but choosing to wear a military-themed warm up jersey in the past.
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
Wyshynski is acting like his observation in the caption of this tweet is something surprising. Wouldn’t anyone who is at least moderately serious about their belief system conduct themselves according to it? That’s what makes them beliefs; they are convictions put into action.
But Wyshynski was so caught up in his disgust that he doubled down on his stupidity. He then proceeded to call anyone who wasn’t as outraged as him a “homophobe,” and then made himself unavailable to speak to anyone criticizing his viewpoint.
Quick blanket statement to all the homophobes and “what-abouts” in my mentions tonight:
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 18, 2023
1. I’m 100% not going to debate you on Twitter.
2. I’ve probably already muted you.
3. Don’t take selfies while driving, let alone while wearing those sunglasses.
Very mature.
Progressives, whether they’re intelligent enough to realize it or not, live by a simple credo: be true to yourself and don’t encroach on my beliefs (even if it means you believe lies or live in stupid ways). However, if anyone, such as Provorov, is “true to themselves” in a way they dislike, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll come after you with all the hatred they can muster.
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Fortunately, Flyers head first-year head coach John Tortorella supports the decision his defenseman made and respects who Provorov is.
Torts says Provy didn’t take warmups because he was against Pride Night. He didn’t consider benching him. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/UlWUwQkuf9
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) January 18, 2023
"With Provy, he's being true to himself and to his religion," Tortorella said. "This has to do with his belief and his religion. It's one thing I respect about Provy: He's always true to himself. That's where we're at with that."
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