A viral video has captured former Chicago Bulls player Jaden Ivey preaching in the streets, days after his anti-LGBTQ comments on social media led to his release from the team.
In the clip seen by TNX Africa, Ivey, dressed in maroon sweatpants, a black sweater, and a white t-shirt, preached to passers-by alongside others.
As someone recorded him, another person asked, “Aren’t you Jaden Ivey?”
He did not respond, continuing instead to quote the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Several people nearby held a large banner with Christian messages, including “God loves and wants to save you from your sins,” “Repent your sins,” and “Believe the gospel. Obey Jesus.”
The preaching came after the Bulls officially announced parting ways with Ivey, citing behaviour that harmed the team’s environment.
The decision followed a live Instagram video in which the 22-year-old made offensive comments about the NBA’s relationship with the LGBTQ community.
In the Livestream, Ivey criticised the league’s Pride Month celebrations, saying they conflicted with his faith.
“The world can proclaim LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it. 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 in the streets. Unrighteousness,” he said.
The story gained another layer when Ivey addressed fans again on social media.
He had already been sidelined for a knee injury, but his comments quickly became the focus.
Hours after being cut, he returned to Instagram Live to defend himself and challenge the team’s explanation.
“They’re lying saying my conduct is detrimental to the team. That’s a lie. Ask any one of the coaches in there, ‘Was I a good teammate?’ All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me,” he said.
Ivey’s situation drew attention across the sports world and social media.
On Instagram, user Realis wrote, “The world will mock him but God won’t.”
Another user, Joyleen, added, “Let that young man praise his God and saviour. He is going all out for God sharing his opinion.”