NHL brothers refuse to wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys, say 'it goes against our Christian beliefs'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Eric and Marc Staal, veteran NHL brothers who play for the Florida Panthers, refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys in warmups before their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

The warmup jerseys were part of Florida’s Pride night game in support of the LGBTQ community in the Sunrise area. The Staal brothers cited their religion as the reason for the decision. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, #5, warm up while wearing a Pride Night jersey before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Sunrise, Florida. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin) "We carry no judgement (sic) 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." Eric Staal said after the game he just wanted to stick with the original statement and "try my best to move forward." Marc Staal was not made available to the media.

Florida coach Paul Maurice tried to make the story about the players who did participate. "My thought is the story is not about them," Maurice said. "The story is about the rest of the group being excited, the organization and the fans being excited to celebrate a great night.

Florida Panthers goaltender Alex Lyon, #34, warms up while wearing a Pride Night hockey jersey before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Sunrise, Florida. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin) OPENLY GAY NHL PROSPECT SHARES ‘DISAPPOINTMENT’ OVER LACK OF PRIDE NIGHT SUPPORT "Thes