Former Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey publicly criticized the organization Monday night, calling the franchise “liars” hours after being waived for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Ivey made the comments during an Instagram livestream, disputing the team’s explanation for his release and insisting his behavior never harmed the locker room.
“They’re liars, bro. This is lying,” Ivey said while appearing to board a flight during the broadcast.
They’re lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. Ask any one of them coaches – was I a good teammate?
The 24-year-old guard said he had continued fulfilling team responsibilities, including workouts and injury rehabilitation, before learning of the decision.
Social media controversy fuels fallout
The Bulls announced Ivey’s release earlier Monday following a series of livestreams in which he discussed religion and made controversial remarks, including criticism of the NBA’s support of Pride Month.
In other broadcasts, Ivey also referred to Catholicism as a “false religion” and questioned the faith of several NBA stars.
During his latest livestream, Ivey suggested the organization should have directly stated disagreement with his views rather than citing team conduct.
All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me.
News of the waiver surfaced hours after what was reportedly his third livestream within a week, as online reaction to his comments intensified.
Bulls cite standards and professionalism
Speaking to reporters, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized organizational expectations without directly addressing Ivey’s statements.
“We have people from all different walks of life,” Donovan said.
We’ve got to all be professional. There’s got to be a high level of respect for one another and accountability to those standards.
Ivey’s season had already been shut down days earlier due to lingering left knee pain, limiting his impact following his arrival in Chicago earlier this year.
Once viewed as a promising young scorer after being selected fifth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ivey now enters free agency amid controversy that overshadowed his brief tenure with the Bulls – and a public dispute with the team that appears far from resolved.
Read the full article here
