The Chicago Bulls waived Jaden Ivey on Monday, March 30, citing “conduct detrimental to the team” following a series of social media posts where Ivey criticized the NBA for celebrating Pride Month and preached about his Christian faith, stating that Pride Month celebrates “unrighteousness.”
While the team officially cited conduct detrimental to the team without providing specific details, reports confirm the decision was driven by Ivey’s anti-LGBTQ comments and lengthy religious tirades on Instagram Live.
“Lord, I hope this message goes forth in Jesus’ name. Can y’all hear? So the Bible is true right? And may you be glorified Jesus. The Bible is true. They said my conduct is detrimental to the team right? Why didn’t they just say ‘We don’t agree with his stance on LGBTQ’? Why didn’t they say that? How is it conduct detrimental to the team?” Ivey said.
He continued: “What did I do to the team? What did I do to the players? I did nothing but practice with them, play with them, pass the ball to them, good teammate to them, said good job, good shot.”
The guard also claimed that the team labeled him negatively behind the scenes, adding: “They say I’m crazy right? I’m psycho I’m crazy.”
Ivey stated he intends to continue his basketball career, expressing confidence that he will receive another opportunity in the league.
“God gave me gifts to play basketball. God gave me gifts. I can play basketball. I’ll still be able to play,” he said.
