Chicago Bulls Fire Jaden Ivey for Preaching the Gospel and Opposing Pride Month

Chicago Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After He Spoke Out Against Pride Month and Preached the Gospel

The Chicago Bulls waived 24 year old guard Jaden Ivey on Monday, March 31, 2026, citing "conduct detrimental to the team" after the former fifth overall pick posted a series of Instagram videos speaking openly about his Christian faith and criticizing the NBA's promotion of Pride Month.

In the videos, Ivey stated plainly:

"The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month, and the NBA does too. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness.'"

Ivey had been traded to Chicago from Detroit in February as part of a three team deal. He appeared in only four games with the Bulls, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game before being ruled out for the season with a knee injury on March 26.

Hours after the waiver was announced, Ivey responded on Instagram Live, pushing back hard against the Bulls' characterization:

"My conduct was not detrimental to the team. That is a lie. It is strictly because I spoke the truth of the word of God and was preaching the Gospel."

He also questioned the silence of other high profile Christians in the league:

"Why is it detrimental? Because I believe in the truth? Because I know Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?"

In a later podcast appearance, Ivey opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing he nearly attempted suicide before his faith saved him. "I had Oxy pills in my hands, and my wife was telling me, 'Don't do it,'" he said.

The response from fellow Christian athletes was immediate and powerful. Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson posted Scripture about remaining righteous through persecution. Lakers forward Jake LaRavia shared John 14:6. NFL players Juanyeh Thomas, Blake Ferguson, and Damien Lewis all posted messages of support for Ivey's willingness to speak Gospel truth.

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl also publicly defended Ivey's right to express his faith. The NBA has issued no official league wide statement regarding the incident. Ivey will receive his full salary for the remainder of the season and will enter free agency.

NBA Star Jaden Ivey Cut by Chicago Bulls for Preaching Christianity and Opposing Pride Month

The incident has reignited a national conversation about religious freedom in professional sports. Bulls team leadership emphasized "professionalism and accountability within a diverse locker room," but many Christians see the waiver as a clear message: speak your faith and lose your career.

Ivey pointed out the double standard, noting that other behavioral issues among athletes receive far less severe consequences than expressing sincere religious convictions. Reports indicate that concerns about Ivey's outspokenness had been building within the organization, with staff describing him as "preachy" around the locker room. The social media videos were reportedly the "final straw."

The Crusader's Opinion

Let this sink in. A man who nearly took his own life found salvation through Jesus Christ, stood up and proclaimed the Gospel, and the Chicago Bulls fired him for it. They did not waive him for drugs. They did not waive him for assault. They did not waive him for any crime. They waived him for calling sin what the Bible calls sin.

The NBA will plaster rainbow logos on every court in America and celebrate what Scripture calls an abomination, but the moment one man stands up and says "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life," he is thrown out like garbage. That is not tolerance. That is persecution with a corporate logo.

Every Christian athlete in the league watched what happened to Jaden Ivey. The message was clear: shut up or get cut. But as Scripture says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Jaden chose the kingdom over the contract. God bless that man.

Take Action

• Follow and support Jaden Ivey on Instagram. Let him know the Body of Christ stands behind him.
• Contact the Chicago Bulls front office and let them know that silencing Christians is unacceptable: fanrelations@bulls.com or call (312) 455 4000.
• Contact the NBA Commissioner's office to oppose the suppression of religious expression: (212) 407 8000.
• Support Christian athletes and religious liberty organizations like the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty that defend the right to live and speak your faith publicly.
• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support Christians facing persecution for their beliefs around the world.
• Share this story with your church, your small group, and on social media. The world needs to know what the NBA did to a man who simply preached Jesus.