NBA Star Axed Over Christian Beliefs Speaks Out on Mental Health Struggles

Jaden Ivey says he's at peace despite being waived by the Chicago Bulls for criticizing the league's 'Pride' celebrations.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:35pm

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Former Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey has spoken out about the fallout from the team waiving him over his Christian beliefs, including that his wife is no longer talking to him and his family members are calling him 'psycho.' Ivey defended his comments criticizing the NBA's 'Pride' events as 'unrighteous,' saying he was a good teammate and strong player. He also opened up about past struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts, crediting his faith for keeping him alive.

Why it matters

Ivey's case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. His release from the Bulls over his comments has sparked debate about freedom of speech, the league's values, and how teams handle players with differing views.

The details

Ivey addressed the controversy in a series of Instagram livestreams and a podcast interview. He claimed the Bulls' decision to waive him was hypocritical, noting that Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was only fined for using a homophobic slur in 2022. Ivey said he would be open to playing in the NBA or other leagues, as long as he's 'doing the will of God.'

  • Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls in April 2026.
  • Ivey made his comments about the NBA's 'Pride' celebrations last week.
  • Ivey opened up about his past mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts during his recent livestreams.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A former top-10 draft pick who was waived by the Chicago Bulls for being 'detrimental' to the team over his comments criticizing the NBA's 'Pride' celebrations.

Anthony Edwards

A Timberwolves star who was only fined for using a homophobic slur in 2022, which Ivey cited as an example of the league's 'hypocritical judgment.'

TreVeyon Henderson

An athlete who has praised Ivey for his biblical beliefs amid the controversy.

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What they’re saying

“'Y'all going to say I'm crazy now? He's mentally going insane, right? But I'm not. I have peace, I have joy.'”

— Jaden Ivey, Former Chicago Bulls Player

“'These are my own family members who love me. My blood, those who raise me saying that I don't know the truth … saying I'm losing my mind.'”

— Jaden Ivey, Former Chicago Bulls Player

“'How is it that he said something detrimental and basically hypocritical judgment because he's not a Christian, and he got fined. He didn't get kicked out of the league. He didn't get waived, right? But it's because he's the best player on their team, right? They need him, right? He makes them money, right?'”

— Jaden Ivey, Former Chicago Bulls Player

What’s next

Ivey says he would answer a call from any NBA team tomorrow, but he would also consider playing in other leagues as long as he's 'doing the will of God.'

The takeaway

Ivey's case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. His release from the Bulls over his comments has sparked debate about freedom of speech, the league's values, and how teams handle players with differing views.