At the heart of the Jaden Ivey controversy this week are his comments towards the NBA’s support for Pride Month. In an Instagram Live session on Monday, Ivey said that the NBA promotes “unrighteousness” by backing pro-LGBTQ activities.
In Ivey’s mind, however, there’s something amiss with the Chicago Bulls’ decision to waive him in light of his recent comments. The 6-foot-3 guard went so far as to bring up the treatment of an All-Star guard who committed a similar infraction not that long ago.
That All-Star guard happens to be Anthony Edwards, who was fined $40,000 by the NBA in 2022 after he said homophobic comments on social media. Appearing on the “PinPoint Podcast,” Ivey took a shot at Edwards and his “lesser” sanction.
“How is it that he said something detrimental and basically hypocritical judgment because he is not a Christian?” Ivey wondered out loud. “He didn’t get kicked out of the league, he didn’t get waived. It’s because he is the best player on their team.”
Jaden Ivey, who was in his fourth NBA season when he got waived by the Bulls, went on to compare his stature in the league to that of Edwards.
“The Timberwolves need him to be on the team because he’s the best player; he makes them money. I’m injured and I’m speaking the truth. It’s all money involved…That’s why he’s still playing.”
Though Jaden Ivey sounds convinced that there’s a double standard in this situation, he will nevertheless have to find a way to secure a roster spot on another team if he wishes to continue his NBA career.
“Y’all Think He’s a Christian”: Jaden Ivey Questions 4x NBA Champion’s Religion in Controversial Video
Anthony Edwards wasn’t the only NBA superstar that Jaden Ivey name-checked this week. In yet another controversial video, Ivey called out four-time NBA champion Steph Curry.
“Y’all think he’s a Christian, but, he’s cursing just like the world…He don’t know Jesus, and I pray he comes to the truth.”
Ivey also said that the championship rings owned by LeBron James and Michael Jordan will ultimately not “matter on Judgment Day.”
