Flyers coach Tortorella defends Provorov’s Pride boycott

By DAN GELSTON
AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella is defending Ivan Provorov’s decision to cite religious beliefs as his reason to boycott the team’s pregame Pride celebration. Provorov cites his Russian Orthodox religion as the reason he did not participate in warmups on Tuesday before the game against the Anaheim Ducks. Tortorella says Provorov “did nothing wrong.” The Flyers wore LGBTQ-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow tape during the warmup. Provorov says his choice was to stay true to himself and his religion.