The Chicago Bulls have waived guard Jaden Ivey, citing “conduct detrimental to the team” after he made multiple social media posts condemning the NBA’s Pride Month celebration in relation to his Christian beliefs.
In one video, Ivey criticized the league for celebrating what he called “unrighteousness,” saying, “They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA…to celebrate unrighteousness.”
He also called out prominent NBA stars, including Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan, accusing them of prioritizing basketball success over spiritual devotion.
“All them rings…all them people in the Hall of Fame who don’t know Jesus Christ, it’s not gonna matter on Judgment Day,” he told his followers.
Beyond the anti-Pride Month remarks, Ivey shared videos promoting his Christian faith, delivering impromptu postgame sermons, and critiquing individuals he considered “unsaved” or ignoring God’s will, according to Sporting News.
His posts quickly went viral, sparking both criticism and support and igniting a broader debate about religious expression in professional sports.
In response, Chicago’s front office explained that Ivey’s release was the result of an accumulation of social media activity and off-court behavior deemed inconsistent with team standards.
General manager Marc Eversley and executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas cited the pattern of posts as conflicting with professional expectations.
Head coach Billy Donovan emphasized that the decision was unrelated to Ivey’s knee rehab, but rather a matter of maintaining team culture and accountability for all players, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
After being waived, Ivey addressed his release on social media, defending his faith and disputing the team’s rationale.
He insisted that his posts were entirely faith-based and not disruptive to team operations, noting that he had been fulfilling rehab obligations.
“They gonna try to stop me but I’m not, I’m gonna be speaking the Truth…That’s why everybody around me turning their back on me, because of my faith,” he told followers, framing his release as a consequence of his religious convictions rather than conduct.
Conservative voices rallied behind Ivey.
Activist Robby Starbuck tweeted that the NBA “wouldn’t dare to do this to any other faith,” while commentator Gunther Eagleman declared, “THE MAN SAID NOTHING WRONG.”
Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson cited Matthew 5:10, framing Ivey’s treatment as persecution for righteousness’ sake.
Riley Gaines added, “We live in a world that hates Christ and those who believe in Him…Consider me a Jaden Ivey fan,” and popular X account MAGA Voice called him “a hero.”
Ivey has demonstrated strong personal faith throughout his brief tenure with the Bulls.
In February, he delivered an impromptu postgame sermon, declaring the “old Jaden Ivey” dead and praising Jesus Christ for changing his life.
Injuries limited his on-court time, leaving him to appear in just four games after being acquired in a February trade that sent Kevin Huerter to Detroit, Sports Illustrated noted.
A former No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ivey struggled to reach his potential in Detroit due to injuries.
Chicago hoped to revive his career, but his social media activity ultimately overshadowed his basketball contributions.
While he will become a restricted free agent after the season, his departure has renewed national discussions about the balance between personal faith, freedom of speech, and professional expectations in sports.
The situation highlights broader tensions in major leagues, which increasingly spotlight LGBT initiatives and other social causes, intensifying concerns over free expression and the treatment of players who hold traditional beliefs.
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