Bulls Cut Ivey Over Anti-Gay Rant After Injury Shutdown

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls moved swiftly Monday to waive guard Jaden Ivey, hours after he unleashed a series of inflammatory Instagram Live videos that included anti-gay comments and lengthy religious rants. The team cited 'conduct detrimental to the team' as the reason for the release, according to sources. Ivey, who had been shut down for the rest of the season last Thursday due to injury, had ramped up his social media activity in the past week, posting at least three extended videos.[1][3] Ivey confirmed the Bulls' decision in one of his posts, stating, '[The Bulls] said my conduct is detrimental to the team.' The outbursts drew immediate backlash, with ESPN first reporting the waiver and commentators like Stephen A. Smith weighing in on the controversy during 'First Take.' His comments touched on religion and LGBTQ+ issues, prompting the front office to act amid growing public scrutiny.[1][2] Acquired by the Bulls after failing to reach a contract extension with the Detroit Pistons last summer, Ivey enters free agency this offseason without a deal in place. In Detroit, the 23-year-old guard averaged 15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his first two NBA seasons before a midseason trade to Chicago. His injury-limited stint with the Bulls saw him appear in just 22 games, posting 12.1 points per game.[1] The waiver underscores the NBA's zero-tolerance stance on hate speech, echoing past cases like Kyrie Irving's suspension. Bulls executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas declined immediate comment, but sources indicated the decision was unanimous. Ivey's camp has not responded to requests for further statement.[1][3] As the 2025-26 season winds down, the Bulls sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, fighting for a play-in spot. Ivey's exit leaves a void at guard, with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu shouldering the load. League insiders question whether any team will take a chance on Ivey amid the PR fallout.[1] Reactions poured in across media, from YouTube breakdowns by 'The Breakfast Club' hosts to WTTW's local coverage labeling the remarks 'anti-LGBTQ+.' Ivey's unfiltered online presence, once seen as authentic, now jeopardizes his career trajectory in a league emphasizing inclusivity.[2][3][4]