11 Christian athletes who boldly took a stand against LGBT Pride Night

When professional sports teams began holding Pride events to celebrate LGBT causes – outfitting players in rainbow-themed jerseys and expecting full participation – clashes with more traditional or faith-minded athletes were almost inevitable.

Several athletes in high-profile professional leagues have respectfully declined to participate in Pride-themed events, citing their Christian beliefs while emphasizing their respect and love for every fan who walks through the gates.

Here are 11 pro athletes who stood up boldly against Pride Night: 

Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball) – The all-star pitcher spoke out in 2023 when the Dodgers gave a “Community Hero Award” to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBT group that describes itself as “drag queen nuns.”

“I don’t agree with making fun of other people’s religions,” he said.

In 2025, Kershaw once again stood boldly for his faith when he wrote a Bible verse, Gen. 9:12–16, on his rainbow-themed Pride Night hat issued by the team. That biblical passage describes God’s words to Noah about the rainbow.

An outspoken Christian, Kershaw regularly speaks at faith events sponsored by the Dodgers. Last year, he told fans his favorite Bible verse was Matthew 22:37-39. 

“Love God, love others,” he said at a 2024 faith night event. “That’s all He calls us to do. And so for me, when things are getting challenging, if things are hard – baseball, family, whatever it may be – I try to remember that verse. Love God, love others, and it steers me back towards Him.”

Jaelene Daniels (North Carolina Courage, soccer) – In 2022, Daniels refused to wear a rainbow-colored Pride jersey during a “Pride Night” National Women’s Soccer League game. Five years earlier, in 2017, she took an even bolder stance, declining a call-up to the U.S. women’s national team, saying she couldn’t wear their rainbow‑themed Pride Month jerseys – a move that stunted her international soccer career.  

Daniels is a Christian.  

“People come from all walks of life. Rich, poor, single, married, black, white, Christian, Muslim, straight and gay,” Daniels said in 2022. “Yet these labels do not keep us from loving others as we desire to be loved. And what better way to put such an idea on display than through sports? To have all of these people join together in one goal, one mission, on one field. That’s what makes sports so incredible. 

“I remain committed to my faith and my desire for people to know that my love for them isn’t based on their belief system or sexuality. I pray and firmly believe that my teammates know how much I cherish them, respect them, and love them. I believe they know this, because they know me, and I them. There is no place I’d rather be than with the Courage.” 

Her X bio reads: “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.” 

Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers, hockey) – In 2023, Provorov chose not to take part in his team’s Pride Night pregame warm-ups, declining to wear the rainbow-themed jersey or carry a rainbow-themed stick out of adherence to his Russian Orthodox faith.

“I respect everyone. I respect everybody’s choices,” he told media members after the game. “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That’s all I’m going to say.” 

The team’s head coach defended Provorov.

“It’s his beliefs,” said John Tortorella, then head coach of the Flyers. “I think people need to respect other people’s beliefs and not force their thoughts onto other people.” 

A defenseman, Provorov now plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs, Ryan Thompson (Tampa Bay Rays, baseball) – In 2022, all five players chose not to wear jerseys and hats celebrating Pride Night at a Rays game. The five men are pitchers.  

Adam told the Tampa Bay Times it was a “faith-based decision.” 

“It’s a hard decision. Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here,” Adam said of the LGBT community. “… It’s just that maybe we don’t want to encourage it if we believe in Jesus, who’s encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would abstain from that behavior, just like [Jesus] encourages me as a heterosexual male to abstain from sex outside of the confines of marriage. It’s no different. 

“It’s not judgmental. It’s not looking down. It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s encouraged us to live, for our good, not to withhold. But again, we love these men and women, we care about them, and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.” 

All five pitchers now play for other teams.

Eric and Marc Staal (Florida Panthers, hockey) – In 2023, the two brothers opted out of the team’s Pride Night warm-up, refusing to wear the rainbow-themed jerseys because it conflicted with their Christian beliefs. 

They said they had prayed over the decision.   

“We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey,” they said in a statement. “Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a Pride jersey it goes against our Christian beliefs.” 

The two players have since retired. 

James Reimer (San Jose Sharks, hockey) – In 2023, the goalie chose not to wear the team’s Pride Night warm-up jersey, saying he was motivated by his Christian faith to take a stand. 

“I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life,” Reimer said, according to ESPN. “I strongly believe that every person has value and worth and the LGTBQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.” 

Reimer now plays for the Buffalo Sabres.