NBA Player Jaden Ivey Waived After Criticizing Pride Month

Ivey went on social media rant, citing his Christian faith as reason for release

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:41am

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NBA player Jaden Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls on Monday, with the team citing 'conduct detrimental to the team' after Ivey made comments criticizing the league's celebration of Pride Month. In a series of social media posts, Ivey claimed he was being persecuted for his Christian faith and accused the Bulls of lying about the reasons for his release.

Why it matters

Ivey's comments and subsequent release highlight the ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. The incident raises questions about how teams balance players' personal views with the league's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The details

In his social media rant, Ivey claimed the Bulls were 'lying' about the reasons for his release, saying he was simply 'preaching about Jesus Christ' and had been a good teammate. Ivey also appeared to criticize other high-profile Christian athletes like Steph Curry and LeBron James, questioning their devotion to the faith. Ivey also spoke about his past struggles with addiction, saying Christianity helped him overcome issues like pornography and drinking.

  • Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Ivey made his critical comments about Pride Month and the NBA in a series of social media posts on the same day he was waived.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old NBA player who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls after making comments criticizing the league's celebration of Pride Month, citing his Christian faith.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that waived Jaden Ivey, citing 'conduct detrimental to the team' after his comments about Pride Month.

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What they’re saying

“'They're liars, bro. This is lying. They're lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. That's a lie. Ask any one of them coaches in there, 'Was I a good teammate?' All I'm preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me. They say I'm crazy, right? I'm psycho.'”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

“'Before I came to the Lord Jesus Christ, the NBA was everything to me. I didn't know God. I didn't know Jesus when I came to the NBA. I was a fornicator, I was a pornography addict and I used to get drunk. That's all I knew. And after a win, and after all those points, I felt good… I felt like I had everything set out for me.'”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

What’s next

It is unclear if Ivey will be signed by another NBA team or if he will continue his professional basketball career. The league and the Bulls have not commented further on Ivey's release or his social media statements.

The takeaway

Ivey's case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. As leagues seek to promote diversity and acceptance, some players have pushed back, citing their personal faith. This incident raises questions about how teams can balance these competing interests and create an environment where all players feel respected.