You should always stand up for what you believe in, even if it costs you dearly. Standing on principle is never a bad choice. Especially when you're right.
But sometimes — every so often — it pays well to do so, too:
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov apparently won over a large number of hockey fans this week — and many more people who believe in the value of First Amendment rights.
Just days after some left-leaning media organizations tried to condemn the Russian-born Provorov, 26, for quietly sitting out a warmup skate that involved donning a gay pride-themed hockey sweater, due to his religious beliefs, his No. 9 jersey sold out online at the NHL Shop and Fanatics stores.
The term "sold out" applies to normal-sized jerseys for Provorov fans. There's also an "Almost Gone!" warning for online consumers in search of an "Extra Small" No. 9 jersey.
It's worth emphasizing that this man didn't just simply decline to wear the jersey; he told us all why he was doing it:
"I respect everybody. I respect everybody's choices," Provorov told the media after the Flyers' game on Tuesday night.
Provorov also told reporters that he is Russian Orthodox and chose not to wear the pride themed sweater due to religious reasons.
"My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion," said Provorov, who has been playing hockey in the U.S. since his teenage years.
To put it mildly, that was a big risk he took. Refusing to take part in the LGBT machine is dangerous enough to one's career. Just coming right out and confirming it's because you're an Orthodox Christian? You're putting up a lot if you do that.
