In an Instagram Livestream Ivey Questioned the NBA’s Promotion of Pride Month, Calling It a Celebration of “Unrighteousness”
The Chicago Bulls waived guard Jaden Ivey on Monday, citing “conduct detrimental to the team,” just hours after he posted an Instagram livestream criticizing the NBA’s support of LGBTQ initiatives.
In the livestream, which was viewed by more than 200,000 followers, Ivey questioned the league’s promotion of Pride Month.
“They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it,” Ivey said. “They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness.’”
The NBA has not issued a public response to either Ivey’s comments or his release.
Ivey Responds, Denies Team’s Explanation
Following his release, Ivey returned to Instagram Live and pushed back on the team’s decision.
“They’re liars, bro. This is lying,” Ivey said. “They’re lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. That’s a lie. … All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me.”
He added that he had been in the gym earlier that day rehabbing and fulfilling his professional obligations.
Bulls Emphasize Standards and Accountability
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation before Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, focusing on team expectations.
“There’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here,” Donovan said. “We’ve got to all be professional. There’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we’ve got to help each other and be accountable to those standards.”
Injury History and Short Tenure in Chicago
Ivey, 24, had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to left knee pain before the incident.
Chicago acquired him from the Detroit Pistons at the February trade deadline in a deal that sent Kevin Huerter to Detroit. Once considered a key young piece in Detroit after being selected No. 5 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ivey’s progress has been impacted by injuries, including a broken left leg in January 2025 and right knee surgery later that year.
He appeared in just four games for the Bulls and last played on Feb. 11 before the All Star break.
Public Shift in Beliefs Preceded Release
In recent weeks, Ivey had been vocal about his religious views. After receiving the first healthy scratch of his career on Feb. 19, he told reporters, “I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.”
He also said at the time that he did not “really trust the NBA setting” and instead trusted “the Lord.”
What Comes Next
Ivey, the son of Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey, is expected to become a restricted free agent this summer. His time with the Bulls lasted less than two months.
