Philadephia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov is facing the wrath of the liberal media in the wake of his decision on Tuesday.

What was his decision? He announced that he wasn’t going to wear a “Pride-themed” warm-up jersey for the Philadelphia Flyers’ “Pride Night.” Instead, he didn’t take warm-ups with the team that night. He said that he was doing it because of his religion.

#Flyers Ivan Provorov on his Pride Night pregame boycott :
“My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.” pic.twitter.com/YSFKvkyEJC

— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) January 18, 2023

“I respect everybody and I respect everybody’s choices,” Provorov said. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion.”

That immediately set off some in the liberal media. There was a manic response from Sid Seixeiro, a Canadian broadcaster who is the co-host of Breakfast Television. He demanded that there be “repercussions” for people like Provorov refusing to wear the Pride jersey.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov didn’t take part in the NHL’s “Hockey Is For Everyone” pregame warmups – where players wore Pride-themed jerseys and used sticks wrapped in rainbow Pride tape – citing his religion as the reason. @sid_seixeiro shares his thoughts ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8c7XnP2FYJ

— Breakfast Television (@breakfasttv) January 18, 2023

He even advocated that the Flyers be fined a million dollars for Provorov’s action. “Figure this out and stop offending people,” Seixeiro said. “It’s supposed to be about inclusivity. The National Hockey League needs to attack this.”

Seixeiro spoke about what would happen if someone refused to wear a “military appreciation night” jersey. Yes, if someone didn’t want to wear a “military appreciation night” jersey, there likely would be comments. But I’d support that person’s position not to be forced to wear it. Enough already with this fascist-like “Everyone must comply” or suffer the wrath of the mob.

Then, even as Seixeiro demands Provorov comply, he insults religious people saying if you looked at the lives of people who would object based on religion, “you would throw up at what you saw.” You must be inclusive, he demands — unless it’s being respectful of people’s religious views.

ESPN NHL senior writer Greg Wshynski also went after Provorov.

Of course, Ivan Provorov is more than happy to play pregame dress-up when it does align with his belief system. pic.twitter.com/rOG0uoCsf4

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 18, 2023

Yes, and? What does he think that proves? Yes, wearing something that comports with your belief system is how we operate in a free country. Wshynski then called people who questioned him “homophobes.”

Quick blanket statement to all the homophobes and “what-abouts” in my mentions tonight:

1. I’m 100% not going to debate you on Twitter.
2. I’ve probably already muted you.
3. Don’t take selfies while driving, let alone while wearing those sunglasses.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 18, 2023

But despite the influx of pressure, Flyers head coach John Tortorella was supportive of his player.

Torts says Provy didn’t take warmups because he was against Pride Night. He didn’t consider benching him. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/UlWUwQkuf9

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) January 18, 2023

“With Provy, he’s being true to himself and to his religion,” Tortorella said. “This has to do with his belief and his religion. It’s one thing I respect about Provy: He’s always true to himself. That’s where we’re at with that.”

The NHL also wasn’t going all in on the crazy “repercussions” take.

The NHL, in response to ESPN’s request for comment, said Wednesday in a statement that players are “free to decide which initiatives to support.”

“Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the League encourages Clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,” the league said in its statement to ESPN. “Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.”

That’s likely to drive folks like Seixeiro into a fit — it doesn’t sound like the league is going to fine the Flyers a million dollars, but that they support players being free to support what they choose. What a revolutionary thought. But in this day and age, supporting freedom is revolutionary. We’ve gone from just over a year ago reporting on how the NY Giants were the first MLB team to wear Pride jerseys and hats to “Everyone must wear the jerseys” or face the wrath.

Seinfeld captured this years ago. Here was the response to the Senior NHL columnist for “The Athletic.”

NHL defenceman Ivan Provorov refused to wear a rainbow flag gay pride jersey for the Flyers vs. Ducks game tonight (because he is a Russion Orthodox Christian) and what the media is doing to him is the Seinfeld Ribbon scene in real time👇👇👇 https://t.co/QQKdmituL3 pic.twitter.com/sfe0bph5qo

— Wokal Distance (@wokal_distance) January 18, 2023