Flyers coach John Tortorella defends defenceman Ivan Provorov’s decision to boycott team’s Pride celebration
Flyers coach John Tortorella defended Russian defenceman Ivan Provorov’s decision to cite religious beliefs as his reason to boycott the team’s pregame Pride celebration.
Tortorella said had “very healthy” conversations with Provorov, general manager Chuck Fletcher and select players days ahead of the game. Provorov’s decision was not a surprise to the organization.“Why would I bench him? Because of a decision he’s making on his beliefs and his religion?” Tortorella said. “It turned out to be a great night for Pride night.”
Tortorella dismissed criticisms that Provorov’s actions “embarrassed the organization,” saying, “I don’t look it at like that all.” Tortorella has coached five NHL teams and drew comparisons to his own controversy in 2016 in Columbus, when he threatened to bench any player that protested or took a knee during the national anthem. His comments came in the wake of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit or kneel during the anthem because he said the country “oppresses Black people and people of colour.”“I learned a lot through that experience,” Tortorella said.
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