NBA Star Fired After Faith-Fueled Pride Rant Sparks Firestorm

Jaden Ivey’s brief run with the Chicago Bulls came to a stunning end after the team waived the guard following a wave of controversy over his anti-LGBTQ remarks and passionate religious videos posted to Instagram.

The 24-year-old guard ignited backlash after criticizing the NBA’s embrace of Pride Month, saying the league was openly celebrating what he called “unrighteousness” while questioning why people are quick to condemn those who speak about faith and “righteousness.”

The comments quickly put Ivey at the center of a growing storm, and by Monday, the Bulls had decided to move on.

Before Chicago’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, coach Billy Donovan made it clear the franchise believed Ivey’s remarks crossed a line and did not reflect the team’s standards.

Donovan said the Bulls are made up of people from all different backgrounds and experiences, adding that professionalism, accountability and mutual respect are non-negotiable inside the organization.

But Ivey did not stay silent after getting cut.

Just hours after being waived, he went live on Instagram from an airplane and launched into another lengthy discussion about religion. During the live session, Ivey said the championship rings won by NBA icons like LeBron James and Michael Jordan would mean nothing “on judgment day.”

He also pushed back on the idea that he was responsible for losing his roster spot, insisting, “I didn’t get myself waived,” and suggesting other teams may now avoid signing him because they believe he is “too religious.”

Ivey said he had done everything the team asked of him, including staying in the gym, rehabbing his sore left knee, and continuing to fulfill his responsibilities as a player.

The livestream took an awkward turn when a flight attendant interrupted and asked him to end the session because the plane was preparing to depart and the phone could interfere with onboard communications. Even then, Ivey kept talking for about another minute before finally logging off.

His release caps a strange and turbulent chapter in Chicago.

Ivey, who has spoken publicly this season about battling depression, had recently begun posting longer and more intense videos about religion on social media. In one of his latest remarks, he questioned why so many people react negatively when the gospel is preached.

“How is it when the gospel is preached that people hate it?” he said. “That people don’t want to hear it?”

The Bulls acquired Ivey from the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade on Feb. 3, but his stint in Chicago was short-lived. He had already been shut down for the rest of the season last week after being sidelined since Feb. 11 with a sore left knee.

He averaged 8.5 points in 37 games this season, including just four appearances for Chicago before his time with the team abruptly ended.

Donovan declined to dive into the specifics of Ivey’s social media posts, but he did suggest there were broader concerns behind the scenes.

“I hope for him he’s okay,” the coach said, noting that Ivey had consistently talked about rehabbing and trying to get back on the floor. Still, Donovan emphasized that the Bulls expect everyone in the organization to meet a certain standard every day.

Now, Ivey’s future in the NBA is suddenly in doubt.

What started as a faith-centered message on social media has turned into a career-shaking controversy, leaving the former top prospect fighting not just for another contract, but for control of a narrative that has exploded far beyond basketball.