Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refuses to wear Pride Night jersey

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov refused to participate in the team’s Pride Night celebration before Tuesday night's game. The defenseman cited his religion as his reason for his refusal.

Provorov was the only Flyer who did not participate in warmups before the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Players wore Pride-themed warmup jerseys, which were auctioned off for charity.

The team has held other Pride nights, but this was the first time the Flyers had themed jerseys, per the Inquirer.

“I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion,” the Russian-born defenseman said, according to the Inquirer. He didn’t offer details, but said he is Russian Orthodox.

The LGBTQ+ movement has made strides in the last decade, but there are still pockets of resistance in sports. Last July, a National Women's Soccer League player refused to play in her team's Pride Night game. In June, several Tampa Bay Rays players refused to wear a Pride logo on their jerseys.

The Flyers released a statement about Pride Night ahead of the game.

"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 statement read, according to ESPN. “The Flyers will continue to be strong advocates for inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community."

Head coach John Tortorella backed his defenseman in postgame comments, per ESPN. The coach said he did not consider scratching Provorov for his refusal to participate in Pride Night.

"This has to do with his belief and his religion,” the coach said. “It's one thing I respect about Provy: He's always true to himself. That's where we're at with that."