The Chicago Bulls have parted ways with guard Jaden Ivey after the 24-year-old launched into anti-LGBTQ remarks during an Instagram livestream on Monday.
The team announced they were waiving the young player for "conduct detrimental to the team" following his public criticism of the NBA's support for Pride Month.
During the broadcast, Ivey took aim at the league's LGBTQ advocacy, describing Pride Month celebrations as promoting "unrighteousness."
The decision brings an abrupt end to Ivey's time in Chicago, having only arrived at the club two months ago following a trade from the Detroit Pistons.
Jaden Ivey was sacked by Chicago Bulls after comments made on a live stream
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In the controversial livestream, which reached his 200,000-plus Instagram followers, Ivey didn't hold back.
"The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month and the NBA does, too," he said.
"They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.' They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it on the streets. Unrighteousness."
The guard went on to question why speaking about his faith was being treated differently.
"So how is it that one can't speak righteousness? How are they to say that... this man is crazy?" he added.
Ivey is said to have grown more religious during his time in Chicago | GETTYThe Bulls released a brief statement confirming Ivey had been dropped due to his behaviour being harmful to the organisation.
Head coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation before Monday night's match, expressing concern for the player while standing firm on the team's values.
"I don't want to get into what he put out there [on Instagram], but certainly for him I hope he's OK," Donovan told reporters.
"But I think organizationally there's certain standards we want to have as an organization and try and live up to those each and every day."
Ivey was once considered among the NBA's most promising talents after Detroit selected him fifth overall in the 2022 draft, though injuries have plagued his career since.
Jaden Ivey defended himself, saying he was "preaching about Jesus"
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Ivey wasted no time firing back at his former employers after learning of his dismissal.
"They said 'Your conduct is detrimental to the team,'" he responded on social media.
"I haven't been with the team. I haven't been with the team because I've been rehabbing.
"So, how is my conduct detrimental to the team? Where have I done detriment? Did I say 'You suck' to the players? That would be detrimental to the team, right?"
The guard insisted his only crime was sharing his religious beliefs.
"All I'm preaching is about Jesus Christ and they waived me. They say I'm crazy, I'm psycho… God let these things happen for a reason."