Jaden Ivey Denies Mental Illness Claims After Pride Night Criticism

Former Bulls guard says he has 'peace' and 'joy' after being waived for social media posts

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:48pm

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Jaden Ivey, a 24-year-old NBA player, has denied rumors of mental illness after being waived by the Chicago Bulls for posting videos criticizing the league's Pride Night celebrations. Ivey, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, reaffirmed his Christian beliefs and said he has 'peace' and 'joy' despite the backlash.

Why it matters

Ivey's comments have sparked a wider debate about the intersection of religion, personal beliefs, and professional sports. The incident raises questions about how leagues and teams handle players' expressions of faith and social views, especially when they conflict with league-wide initiatives.

The details

Ivey posted a series of videos criticizing the Detroit Pistons and other NBA teams for hosting Pride Nights, calling it 'unrighteousness.' After posting an Instagram video reiterating his criticisms on a plane, rumors began circulating online that Ivey was having a mental health episode. However, Ivey denied these claims, saying he has 'the fruits of The Spirit' and that 'Jesus Christ saved' him.

  • On March 31, 2026, Ivey posted the videos criticizing the NBA's Pride Night celebrations.
  • Shortly after, rumors began circulating online that Ivey was having a mental health episode.
  • On April 1, 2026, the Chicago Bulls announced they were waiving Ivey, citing 'conduct detrimental to the team'.
  • On April 2, 2026, Ivey went on Instagram to deny the mental illness rumors and reaffirm his Christian beliefs.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old NBA player who was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft. He was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls after posting videos criticizing the league's Pride Night celebrations.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that waived Jaden Ivey, citing 'conduct detrimental to the team' after his social media posts.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA team that Ivey criticized for hosting a Pride Night celebration, which he called 'unrighteousness'.

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What they’re saying

“'Y'all think I'm losing my mind... I have peace. I have joy. I have the fruits of The Spirit. I don't have to search for those things no more. Jesus Christ saved me & He can do the same for those that repent & believe The Gospel.'”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

“'They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month,' to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets — unrighteousness. So how is it that one can't speak righteousness? [Who] are they to say that, 'Man, this man is crazy'?'”

— Jaden Ivey, NBA Player

What’s next

The NBA is expected to review Ivey's conduct and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted. Ivey has received support from some fellow athletes, but it remains to be seen how his comments will impact his future in the league.

The takeaway

Ivey's case highlights the complex issues surrounding the intersection of personal beliefs, professional sports, and social issues. As leagues and teams continue to promote diversity and inclusion, players' expressions of faith and views that conflict with those initiatives will likely continue to be a source of controversy and debate.