The Chicago Bulls have released guard Jaden Ivey following a series of incendiary Instagram Live rants that included anti-LGBTQ slurs, religious preaching, and disrespect of other faiths, according to ESPN sources.
Ivey, 24, was acquired from the Detroit Pistons at the NBA trade deadline and played only four games for Chicago before being sidelined for the season due to a left knee injury. His recent outbursts, given solo from his automobile, featured Bible passage recitations, "Judgment Day" warnings, accusations that God overlooks sinners' prayers, and calling Catholicism a "false religion" that does not lead to salvation.
These comments came after Ivey deleted his previous social media accounts, following earlier admissions of melancholy this season. The move allows Chicago to refocus on their ongoing reconstruction as the regular season comes to a finish.
(Sources: ESPN via Shams, social media reports)