NBA Player Fired for Criticizing Pride Month

Dismissal of rising star Jaden Ivey over religious views exposes tensions between league's progressive messaging and diverse player beliefs.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:10am

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Jaden Ivey, a young guard for the Chicago Bulls, was waived by the team after he criticized the NBA's celebration of Pride Month on social media, expressing 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.

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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 ongoing tensions between the NBA's progressive messaging around LGBTQ+ issues and the diverse religious beliefs held by many of its players. While the league has historically taken a more permissive stance on player conduct, Ivey's dismissal suggests the league may be taking a harder line against any views that conflict with its public stance, raising questions about freedom of expression and the league's commitment to inclusivity.