Former Piston Jaden Ivey Released by Bulls After Anti-LGBTQ Comments

The 24-year-old guard faced backlash for controversial statements made on social media.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:28pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the silhouette of a basketball player broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding discrimination in professional sports.The dismissal of a player over anti-LGBTQ comments reflects the sports world's evolving stance on diversity and inclusion.Chicago Today

Jaden Ivey, a 24-year-old former Detroit Piston, has been released by the Chicago Bulls following a series of anti-LGBTQ comments he made on social media. The decision comes after Ivey faced significant public backlash for his controversial statements.

Why it matters

Ivey's release highlights the growing intolerance for discriminatory rhetoric, especially from public figures, in the world of professional sports. Teams and leagues are increasingly holding players accountable for their actions and statements that go against principles of inclusion and diversity.

The details

According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bulls decided to part ways with Ivey on Monday after he posted a series of tweets expressing opposition to LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage. The comments drew widespread criticism from fans, media, and LGBTQ advocacy groups.

  • Ivey made the controversial social media posts on March 28, 2026.
  • The Bulls announced Ivey's release on March 30, 2026.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old former basketball player for the Detroit Pistons who was recently released by the Chicago Bulls after making anti-LGBTQ comments on social media.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA franchise that released Jaden Ivey following his controversial social media posts.

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What they’re saying

“There is no place in our league for the kind of discriminatory rhetoric Jaden Ivey expressed. We stand with the LGBTQ community and expect our players to uphold the values of inclusion and respect.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The Bulls have not indicated whether they will pursue any further disciplinary action against Ivey, but the NBA is expected to review the situation and potentially issue its own sanctions.

The takeaway

Ivey's release underscores the growing intolerance for anti-LGBTQ views in professional sports, as teams and leagues increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. This case serves as a warning that discriminatory rhetoric from players will not be accepted.