Activism group disappointed in Provorov's boycott
You Can Play, the NHL's longtime social activism partner, wants to work with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov after he "negatively impacted" Pride Night by boycotting warmups. Provorov did not take the pregame skate Tuesday night because he refused to wear the team's LGBTQ+ Pride Night warmup jersey or use a stick with rainbow tape, citing his religious beliefs. He told reporters after the Flyers' 5-2 home win over the Anaheim Ducks that it was his choice "to stay true to myself and my religion, " which he identified as Russian Orthodox."I respect everyone. I respect everybody's choices, " he said. You Can Play COO Kurt Weaver said his organization has reached out to the Flyers and Provorov to provide "additional information and a better understanding of the situation" in the aftermath."We do this with a lot of our partners where, after an incident like this, we'll come in and run education sessions for the whole team, for the coaches, for the individual players on a one-on-one basis, " said Weaver, adding that the Flyers have used the organization's education programs in the past. "A lot of times it's just that they've never had proximity to someone in their life who's been out. Just to meet somebody who's another human being goes a long way. "You Can Play has partnered with the NHL since 2013 and has been a driving force behind the league's "Hockey Is For Everyone" campaign. Weaver said his team reached out to the NHL ahead of the league's statement on the Provorov situation but did not have a hand in crafting that message. The NHL, in response to ESPN's request for comment, said Wednesday in a statement that players are "free to decide which initiatives to support. ""Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the league encourages Clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans, " the league said in its statement to ESPN. "Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how -- with league counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues. "Weaver expressed disappointment with the way the Flyers and coach John Tortorella handled the situation Tuesday night. The coach said he never considered scratching Provorov for missing warmups and said he respected the defenseman for "being true to himself and to his religion" in not participating."The concept of 'team' can mean a lot of things. I think more coaches have to ask what that cohesion of a team means to them. At what point does a decision like this that a player wants to make cross over into basically not showing up for your job? " Weaver said. "I think [Tortorella] did what a coach needs to do, which is support his player's decision. But I would hope that, behind the scenes, there's some more direct conversations around what it means to be a teammate.
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