NHL 'Takes PRIDE' In Sparking Outrage With This Latest Ban

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman defended the decision, citing the distracting nature of these jerseys as the primary reason for the ban.

According to ESPN, Bettman, in an interview with Sportsnet, claimed, "I've suggested that it would be appropriate for clubs not to change their jerseys in warm-ups because it's become a distraction and taking away from the fact that all of our clubs in some form or another host nights in honor of various groups or causes."

The commissioner further stressed that the specialty jerseys undermined the attention and respected the various groups or causes deserved, converting them into a source of distraction. The NHL Board of Governors concurred with Bettman, ESPN reported.

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June 24, 2023

The storm around NHL players sporting Pride colors on their warm-up jerseys has been a focal point this season. The controversy was kick-started by Ivan Provorov, a former Philadelphia Flyers player, who refused to participate in the pre-game skate during a Pride Night game in January. His reluctance to wear the LGBTQ-themed jersey was due to his adherence to the Russian Orthodox faith.

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The incident drew substantial criticism from sports journalists. E.J. Hradek, a senior reporter for the NHL Network, suggested Provorov should return to Russia, even hinting that he could participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Hradek stated, "If this is that much of a problem for him to maybe assimilate into his group of teammates and in the community and here in this country, that's okay — listen, you can feel any way you want. But the beauty is, if it bothers you that much, there's always a chance to leave. Go back where you feel more comfortable."

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Greg Wyshynski, the senior NHL writer for ESPN, also expressed his discontent on Twitter about Provorov's decision, making his displeasure known repeatedly. Predictably, he also disapproved of the NHL's latest decision.

The controversy snowballed as more players and teams followed Provorov's suit. The situation gained significant traction, leading to NHL Commissioner Bettman addressing it in March, where he iterated that the jerseys had become a "distraction." He mentioned, "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 [having] made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well."

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This ban has garnered criticism from You Can Play, an organization committed to LGBTQ inclusion in sports. In a statement shared with ESPN, they expressed their disappointment: "Today's decision means that the over 95 percent of players who chose to wear a Pride jersey to support the community will now not get an opportunity to do so."

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Regardless, Bettman confirmed that teams could still host specialty nights such as Pride Night, Black History Night, Military Appreciation Night, and Hockey Fights Cancer. ESPN also reported that teams could design and sell specialty jerseys for various charities. Bettman added, "Players who choose to model them can do that. It's really just the question of what's on the ice."

This decision, intended to eliminate distractions, has undoubtedly stirred debate, emphasizing the delicate balance between individual beliefs, collective team identity, and inclusivity's more significant social cause.