Chicago Bulls dismiss basketball player Jaden Ivey after anti-gay social media comments
"The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has waived guard Jaden Ivey due to conduct detrimental to the team," stated the basketball team
By Aaron Sugg
American professional basketball team the Chicago Bulls has dismissed player Jaden Ivey after he posted videos on Instagram containing anti-LGBTQ remarks.
The announcement comes just weeks after the 24-year-old joined the team, with the decision made on the grounds of “conduct detrimental to the team”.
In one of the videos, Ivey criticised the National Basketball Association for promoting Pride Month, saying it celebrates “unrighteousness”.
“They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness” – Jaden Ivey making anti-pride comments
“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say come join us for Pride, for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness,” said Ivey.
“They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness? How are they to say that this man is crazy?” he continued.
In response to his homophobic rhetoric and religious commentary, the Chicago Bulls announced his departure via their Instagram earlier this morning (31 March).
“The team has waived guard Jaden Ivey” – Chicago Bulls announcing Ivey’s leave
“The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has waived guard Jaden Ivey due to conduct detrimental to the team,” stated the basketball team.
Responding, Ivey spoke out to his Instagram following: “NBA players can beat women, illegally possess weapons, get caught with large quantities of drugs, and nothing ever happens to them. Let one say something about Jesus and call sin what it is, and all of sudden that’s offensive enough to get cut. Disgusting.”
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan spoke about the decision before Chicago’s game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
“We’ve got to all be professional” – Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan on Ivey’s anti-gay rhetoric
“I think there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here,” Donovan said. “I mean, we have people from all different walks of life working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right?”
“So, the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. But one is, we’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards,” he added.
The Chicago Bulls acquired Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons on 3 February, but he was sidelined from 11 February with an injury to his left knee and ruled out for the rest of the season.
The NBA is yet to commented on Ivey’s social media comments or dismissal.