Bulls Waive Guard Jaden Ivey After Controversial Comments

The team released the player following his anti-LGBTQ and religious remarks on social media.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented basketball players and court lines in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the fractured nature of the incident surrounding Jaden Ivey's release from the Bulls.The Bulls' swift decision to part ways with Jaden Ivey over his controversial social media comments reflects the NBA's growing emphasis on player accountability and promoting inclusive values.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bulls have waived guard Jaden Ivey after he made a series of controversial comments on his Instagram account, including anti-LGBTQ statements and remarks about religion. The team announced the decision on Monday, citing Ivey's behavior as the reason for his release.

Why it matters

The NBA has taken a strong stance against discrimination and intolerance, and the Bulls' swift action in waiving Ivey sends a clear message that such comments will not be tolerated from their players. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny and accountability that professional athletes face for their public statements and social media activity.

The details

In his Instagram videos, Ivey expressed views that were seen as hostile towards the LGBTQ community and made comments that were interpreted as disparaging towards certain religious beliefs. The Bulls organization deemed these remarks unacceptable and incompatible with the team's values, leading to Ivey's release just one season after being drafted.

  • Ivey made the controversial comments on his Instagram account in recent days.
  • The Bulls announced Ivey's release on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 23-year-old guard who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Chicago Bulls

The professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois that plays in the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold our players to the highest standards of conduct, and Jaden's recent comments were completely unacceptable. As an organization, we are committed to promoting inclusivity and respect for all.”

— Arturas Karnisovas, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

The Bulls will now look to fill Ivey's roster spot and continue their season, while Ivey will likely seek opportunities with other NBA teams in the future.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of professional athletes being mindful of the impact their public statements can have, and the consequences they may face for expressing views that are seen as intolerant or discriminatory.