Chicago Bulls Star Sparks Backlash with Rants on NBA Pride Night, Religion

Jaden Ivey's social media videos criticizing the league's LGBTQ celebrations have drawn concern from the basketball community.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in mid-motion, their face obscured by the fragmented, overlapping planes that capture the dynamic energy of the sport.Ivey's divisive comments on the NBA's LGBTQ celebrations have fractured the basketball community, exposing the ongoing tensions around social issues in professional sports.Chicago Today

Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey, 24, has sparked backlash and concern within the NBA after posting lengthy social media rants criticizing the league's Pride Night celebrations and discussing his religious views. Ivey called the NBA's Pride Month events an 'unrighteousness' that he believes cannot be challenged, leading to widespread criticism from fans who attempted to offer support in the comments.

Why it matters

Ivey's comments have raised questions about the balance between players' personal beliefs and the league's efforts to be inclusive of the LGBTQ community. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions around social issues in professional sports and the challenges teams face in supporting diverse perspectives among their players.

The details

In a series of videos totaling over 30 minutes each, Ivey ranted about his religious beliefs, declaring that 'righteousness' is the only thing that matters and that events like the Detroit Pistons' former team 'won't matter on Judgment Day.' He also took specific issue with the NBA's Pride Night celebrations, calling them 'unrighteousness' that cannot be challenged.

  • Ivey recently scrubbed his social media accounts, leaving only posts of his children and the lengthy rant videos.
  • The videos were posted on Ivey's Instagram page within the last few days.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old guard for the Chicago Bulls who has sparked controversy with his recent social media rants criticizing the NBA's Pride Night celebrations and discussing his religious beliefs.

Detroit Pistons

Ivey's former NBA team, which he referenced in his rants as an organization that 'won't matter on Judgment Day.'

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What they’re saying

“'They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month,' to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets — unrighteousness. So how is it that one can't speak righteousness? [Who] are they to say that, 'Man, this man is crazy'?'”

— Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls Guard

What’s next

The NBA and the Chicago Bulls are expected to address Ivey's comments in the coming days, with potential disciplinary action or a statement from the league or team likely.

The takeaway

Ivey's divisive comments have sparked a larger conversation about the role of personal beliefs and social issues in professional sports. As the NBA continues to promote inclusion and diversity, this situation highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing players' freedom of expression with the league's values.