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NBA Player Fired for Criticizing Pride Month
Jaden Ivey's religious views on LGBTQ+ issues led to his dismissal from the Chicago Bulls
Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:10am
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The NBA's dismissal of a player over his religious views on LGBTQ+ issues exposes tensions between the league's progressive messaging and the diverse beliefs of its fanbase.Chicago TodayJaden Ivey, a rising young guard for the Chicago Bulls, was waived by the team after he criticized the NBA's celebration of Pride Month on social media. Ivey, a newly converted Christian, expressed the view that 'pride, as celebrated in this context, conflicts with Christian teachings on sin.' The Bulls cited 'conduct detrimental to the team' as the reason for Ivey's dismissal, though the team did not provide specifics on how his comments disrupted the team.
Why it matters
The decision to fire Ivey over his religious views has raised questions about the NBA's tolerance for differing perspectives, especially during sensitive cultural and religious periods like Holy Week. While the league has historically overlooked more serious player misconduct, Ivey's case suggests the league may be taking a harder stance against any views that conflict with its progressive messaging around LGBTQ+ issues.
The details
Ivey, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, was a productive young player for the Pistons and Bulls before his dismissal. In an Instagram Live video, he criticized the NBA's celebration of Pride Month, saying 'They proclaim Pride Month. They say, 'Come join us ... to celebrate unrighteousness.'' The Bulls then waived Ivey, citing 'conduct detrimental to the team,' though the team did not provide specifics on how his comments disrupted the team.
- Ivey's comments were made during Holy Week, one of the most sacred periods on the Christian calendar.
The players
Jaden Ivey
A rising young guard who was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, playing for the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls before being waived by the Bulls over his religious views on LGBTQ+ issues.
Billy Donovan
The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who offered a muted response to Ivey's dismissal, emphasizing 'certain standards' without directly addressing Ivey's comments.
Dana White
The president of the UFC, who has repeatedly defended fighters' rights to speak freely, even when he strongly disagrees with them.
What they’re saying
“'They proclaim Pride Month. They say, 'Come join us ... to celebrate unrighteousness.'”
— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player
“'How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team?'”
— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player
The takeaway
This case highlights the NBA's apparent intolerance for religious views that conflict with its progressive messaging around LGBTQ+ issues, even when those views are expressed peacefully and do not disrupt team operations. It raises broader questions about the league's relationship with its diverse fan base and whether certain beliefs are being deemed 'unacceptable' despite the NBA's stated commitment to inclusion.
