Media Kampung – 01 April 2026 | Chicago Bulls released guard Jaden Ivey on Monday, invoking a clause that allows termination for conduct deemed detrimental to the team after the player posted a series of anti‑LGBTQ statements on his social media during NBA Pride Month, marking a rapid response to a growing public backlash.
Ivey, who was acquired at the trade deadline and appeared in only four games for a total of 115 minutes before a lingering knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, was on an expiring contract with just 13 days left, making his on‑court contribution minimal but his off‑court impact significant.
The posts, which combined a vehement critique of the league’s Pride Night initiatives with broader condemnations of Catholicism and other groups he labeled “sinners,” were described by observers as an extremist evangelical outreach that crossed the line from personal belief to workplace discrimination.
Head coach Billy Donovan addressed the issue in a pre‑game interview, stating, “We do not tolerate behavior that undermines our inclusive values,” and confirming that the decision to waive Ivey was taken to protect the team’s culture and reputation.
Columnist Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune characterized the episode as a glaring misstep by executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas, noting that the front office had previously invested in Ivey with hopes of a long‑term role despite his injury history, and now faced criticism for both the initial acquisition and the swift dismissal.
Ivey’s personal narrative, including a public baptism in June 2024, revelations of childhood sexual abuse, past alcohol dependence, and ongoing anger‑management struggles, was detailed in a 2025 podcast where he expressed feeling betrayed by his family and admitted that his faith had become an increasingly dominant lens through which he interacted with teammates and media.
Former Bulls assistant J.B. Bickerstaff commented on the controversy, saying, “The decision was made in the best interest of the organization,” while acknowledging that the situation highlighted broader challenges the NBA faces in balancing freedom of expression with its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The incident underscores the NBA’s firm stance on LGBTQ acceptance, reinforces the Bulls’ resolve to uphold an inclusive environment, and leaves the franchise to reassess its player‑character evaluation processes as it looks ahead to the next season.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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