philadelphia flyers Coach John Tortorella defended defenseman Ivan Provorov on Thursday as the player came under criticism for skipping the organization’s Pride celebration to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Provorov was Labeled “homophobic” onlineand an NHL analyst advised him to return to Russia and “get involved” in the conflict between the country and Ukraine.
Prior to the team’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Tortorella addressed the issue. He said he was not concerned about whether the controversy would affect the locker room. He said Provorov had approached him about not wearing the jersey before Tuesday’s game.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
November 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) plays against the St. Louis Blues at Wells Fargo Center.
(Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
“Not for one second,” Tortorella said via TSN. “The meetings, those 15 to 20 minutes we spent together, were really healthy. [A] Really nice process in a very critical situation.
“For me, it ties the team together in some way. I’m not worried about speculation about the team splitting up. Not a chance.”
Tortorella further stated that Provorov “did nothing wrong” and staunchly defended him.
“Provi did nothing wrong,” he said. “Just because you don’t agree with his decision, doesn’t mean he did something wrong.”
The longtime hockey coach drew on his own experience when he received backlash for his rant on players kneeling during the national anthem.
November 13, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella looks on during their game against the Dallas Stars at Wells Fargo Center.
(Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
“Let me put it to you like this. My experience, back in ’16, when I was asked a question about the flag… ‘If a player sits [for the anthem] What would you do?’ And I said, ‘He’ll be sitting for the rest of the game.’ I was wrong,” Tortorella said. “I learned a lot from that experience. I am disgusted by my sentiments against any kind of national anthem during the national anthem. To this day, it disgusts me. This should not be done. Those are my feelings; I cannot impose those feelings on anyone else. That’s why I was wrong to say that at that time.
“…same situation here. Pravi is not out banging the drum against Knight. He quietly went about his business. He and I had many conversations about how we were going to do it. You have the team You have him, you have it all going on, a lot of talking, you have the whole process. He felt strongly with his beliefs, and he stuck with it.”
January 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) plays against the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center.
(Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
Provorov did not 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 a reason for not attending. he eventually played in the game against Anaheim Ducks,
He told reporters after the game, “I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choice.” “My choice is to be true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.”
“Just because you don’t agree with his decision, doesn’t mean he did something wrong.”
The Russia native, who is in his seventh season with the Flyers, received backlash on social media for the exclusion.
In-spite of this demands punishmentThe NHL seemed unwilling to fine or ban anyone over Provorov’s decision.
Click here to get the Fox News app
“Hockey for All is a comprehensive initiative under which the league encourages clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and work to achieve a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans.” the league said in a statement. “Clubs decide who to celebrate, when and how – with the consultation and support of the league. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we look forward to their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues continue to encourage.