Jaden Ivey Released by Bulls After Anti-LGBTQ Comments
The decision came after a series of livestreams in which Ivey criticized the NBA and spoke extensively about religion and morality
The Chicago Bulls have officially waived Jaden Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team”, just hours after the young guard posted a lengthy video on social media featuring controversial religious remarks and anti-gay statements.
Ivey, 24, acquired from the Detroit Pistons before last month’s trade deadline, had already shown increasing activity on social media, posting at least three livestream videos after the team ruled him out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
In one video Monday morning, Ivey openly criticized the NBA for promoting Pride Month, calling it a celebration of “moral dishonesty”.
The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They promote Pride Month and the NBA does too. They say, ‘come celebrate Pride Month to celebrate moral dishonesty.’ You see it on billboards, in the streets. Moral dishonesty
Jaden Ivey
In another evening livestream, Ivey expressed surprise at the Bulls’ decision to release him and questioned the official reasoning:
[The Bulls] said my conduct is detrimental to the team. Why didn’t they just say, ‘We don’t agree with his stance on LGBTQ’? How is it detrimental to the team? What did I do to my teammates or the team?
Jaden Ivey
Jaden Ivey also drew further attention by speaking openly about the religious beliefs of Stephen Curry during a flight. The young player did not hold back in commenting on the Warriors star’s faith, immediately sparking reactions among fans and insiders.
That’s why you have Steph Curry and think he’s a Christian just because he wrote Philippians 4:13. You think he’s a Christian, but he actually curses just like anyone in the world
Jaden Ivey
The player had already been known for his religious views in Detroit, but in Chicago his intensity increased, causing friction in the locker room. Sources close to the team described Ivey as “preachy,” with livestreams lasting nearly an hour covering topics ranging from religion and depression to “bad” music, abortion, and personal commentary.
I’m not the old J.I. anymore. The old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ, regardless of the basketball context,” he had said after being removed from the starting lineup for coach’s decision on February 19
Jaden Ivey
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of maintaining professional standards:
Everyone brings their own personal experiences, but we have to be professional, respect each other, and uphold accountability to those standards
Billy Donovan
The split from the Bulls marks a delicate phase for Ivey, not only professionally but also personally. After a season defined by injuries and public controversy, the player will now have an opportunity to reassess and plan the next steps of his career and life.