Bulls Release Jaden Ivey for Calling LGBTQ Pride Month ‘Unrighteous’

Chicago Bulls Fire Jaden Ivey After Controversial Comments

The Chicago Bulls made the decision to let go of guard Jaden Ivey on Monday, following remarks he made during an Instagram livestream that criticized the NBA’s recognition of LGBT Pride Month.

The team stated that Ivey was terminated for “conduct detrimental to the team.” His comments appeared to be a direct challenge to a significant aspect of the league’s current messaging.

“The world celebrates Pride Month, and so does the NBA,” Ivey said in the livestream. “They show it to everyone, proclaiming, ‘Join us in celebrating injustice.’ It’s right there on signs and in the streets. It’s unrighteousness.”

While Ivey also voiced additional opinions, particularly around his theological disagreements with Catholic teachings, it was his statements on Pride Month that seemingly triggered the Bulls’ reaction.

In his fourth year in the league, Ivey was previously the second-leading scorer for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 17.6 points per game last season. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 30 appearances. After being traded to the Bulls this season, he played only four games before being sidelined for the year due to a knee injury, averaging 8.2 points during that time.

Ivey was widely viewed as an up-and-coming talent, having made the NBA’s All-Rookie team following a season where he averaged 16.3 points. ESPN noted he’ll be a free agent next offseason, which opens up possibilities for other teams to consider him.

Drafted by Detroit as the fifth overall pick in 2022, Ivey expressed discontent with the Bulls’ reasoning for his firing. He pointed out that he was known as one of the more outspoken Christians within the league. “If they say my actions harmed the team, why not directly address that it was my views on LGBTQ they disagree with?” he questioned. “What negative impact did I really have?”

“All I share is my faith in Jesus Christ, but now I feel abandoned,” he added.

The NBA has progressively enhanced its initiatives around Pride Month in recent years.

Following Ivey’s dismissal, various athletes and celebrities showed their support for him. Azalea Thomas, a cornerback with the NFL’s New York Jets, referenced a Bible verse and commented on social media, suggesting that it’s acceptable to appear “weird” for living a life aligned with faith, especially in a world that may perceive it otherwise.

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson also defended Ivey, highlighting a biblical verse about the blessings of those who face persecution for righteousness.

Joseph Krupp, a Catholic priest and podcaster, shared his thoughts on the situation as well, stating that while Ivey did not engage in behaviors typically considered harmful, his mere expression of a view deemed intolerant was enough to warrant his release.