Gary Bettman on Ivan Provorov: ‘let’s focus on the 700 players who embrace’ inclusivity

During a media availability in Buffalo before Thursday’s game between the Sabres and New York Islanders, National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the recent controversy about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov electing not to participate in his team’s “Pride Night” celebration.

Provorov, 26, refused to wear the Flyers’ LGBTQ2S+ Pride warm-up jerseys prior to Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks, citing his religious beliefs. Flyers coach John Tortorella defended Provorov’s actions and ultimately gave him more ice time than any other Philadelphia player in the 5–2 win over the Ducks.

“Provy did nothing wrong,” Tortorella said during a Thursday media availability. “Just because you don’t agree with his decision doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.”

Bettman weighed in on the situation later in the day, recognizing that “individual players are going to make decisions and follow their beliefs” but also putting emphasis on recognizing the players who embrace inclusivity.

“At the end of the day, I think everybody knows what the league stands for in terms of our values, what the Flyers stand for in terms of their values,” Bettman said. “In the final analysis, individual players are going to make decisions and follow their beliefs.

“Having said that, when you look at all of our players and the commitments that they’ve made to social causes and to making our game welcoming and inclusive, let’s focus on the 700 that embrace it and not one or two that may have some issues for their own personal reasons.”

Provorov has not been disciplined in any way by the Flyers or the NHL in the wake of his actions. He has two goals and 15 points while averaging 23:09 per night in 45 games with the Flyers this season; his current contract extends through 2025 and pays him an average of $6.75 million per year.