NHL Backing Down From LGBTQ ‘Pride’ Nights After Courageous Protest from Players

Given that greater numbers of prominent Hockey players have engaged in silent protest by refusing to don rainbow-themed uniforms and even speaking to the press regarding the LGBT-themed ‘Pride’ nights, the NHL is reportedly considering scrapping the concept altogether.

According to Hockey Patrol, several NHL stars such as Ivan Provorov, James Reimer, Marc Staal, Eric Staal, and Ilya Lyubushkin publicly refused to wear the ‘Pride’ themed jerseys.

The outlet noted that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told CTV News Monday,

“This is the first time we’ve experienced that, and I think it’s something that we’re going to have to evaluate in the offseason.”

He added, “This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement.”

Bettman concluded, “But I think that’s become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well.”

EVANGELIST FRANKLIN GRAHAM COMES OUT IN SUPPORT OF HOCKEY PLAYER IVAN PROVOROV AFTER HE REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘PRIDE NIGHT,’ SUFFERING FROM RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov came to national attention when he refused on the basis of his faith in the Russian Orthodox Church. He found himself defended in the decision by legendary evangelist Franklin Graham.

Most recently on Thursday, Eric and Marc Staal directly cited their Christian beliefs in a statement about their refusal to participate.

“We carry no judgment on how people choose to live their lives and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey. Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a Pride jersey, it goes against our Christian beliefs,” the Staals said.

San Jose Sharks Goalie James Reimer made a similar statement through the team’s Twitter account on March 18th saying, “I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.”

A statement from Goaltender, James Reimer: pic.twitter.com/GwhWxhbmb4

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 18, 2023

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