Sports Athletes Who Refused to Vow to Wokeism and Tokenism
Ivan Provorov – NHL Defenseman
2023: NHL star Ivan Provorov refused to wear the “Rainbow Pride jersey” for warm-ups. The Philadelphia Flyers team was told to celebrate the “Pride Night for LGBTQ.” Provorov invoked his Christian faith and stood up to dissenters and the media. [NR]
“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 18, 2023
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov on refusing to wear a rainbow jersey for warm ups during “Pride Night” due to his Russian Orthodox faith.
pic.twitter.com/wCUl8slmRB
Riley Patterson – Football Placekicker
2023: After kicking the game-winning field goal, sealing a historic 27-point comeback, Jaguars kicker Riley Patterson took off his cross necklace and held it up for the camera.
What he did was unusual and controversial, as athletes who invoked their religious faith may face a penalty.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior – Football Forward
In 2016, Neymar’s headband with the words “100% Jesus” was allegedly removed digitally in a video by FIFA played for the Ballon d’Or gala.
In 2021, Brazilian star Neymar, a Christian, often wore the “Jesus headband.” He was slapped with an ‘ethical clause’ or faced a penalty. He was told to avoid any religious or political propaganda. [DailyMail]
Rays pitchers – Adam, Beeks, Raley, Springs, Thompson
2022: The Tampa Bay Rays team was supposed to wear special jerseys and caps sporting the rainbow-colored logo for “Pride Night at Tropicana Field.”
Five Rays pitchers opted out. Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Thompson “peeled off” the logo and wore the team’s standard cap. [Tampa Bay Times]
