Ivey “said nothing wrong,” his supporters claimed. “We live in a world that hates Christ and those who believe in Him, but that’s to be expected,” posted swimmer Riley Gaines. “Just as [Jesus] was persecuted, so will we be. Consider me a Jaden Ivey fan.”
Author Megan Basham encouraged Christians not to support the Bulls, who have “made it clear that a Christian player who voices the Christian view that homosexuality is sin is not welcome to play on their team.”
Former NFL player Benjamin Watson, an outspoken Christian, said he expects the Bulls to clarify if “conduct detrimental to the team” includes “using the term ‘unrighteousness’” to describe the NBA’s support of Pride Month. “If so that’s an even bigger problem,” Watson added.
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New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson appeared to defend Ivey by posting Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Watson applauded Henderson for applying Jesus’ words “in proper context…during a week when believers celebrate [Jesus’] resurrection.” Watson added, “Religious freedom is foundational for every American. This includes Americans who work in sports.”
Jaden Ivey Needs Help, Others Warn
Some people expressed concern about the well-being of Jaden Ivey, saying the NBA player appeared confused in recent videos. Ivey indicated that his family members have “betrayed” him and are calling him “crazy…all because of the gospel.”
Some Chicago sports reporters said Ivey’s locker-room “preaching” had become “exhausting.” The guard reportedly asked journalists if they had “fornicated” before marriage.
Saying that “freedom of speech does not necessarily mean freedom of consequence,” former NFL player Emmanuel Acho addressed the controversy from several angles. Noting Ivey’s recent injuries and declining performance, Acho said, “[When] the talent starts to diminish, we do not want to hear you more than we see you.”
From a biblical perspective, Acho urged Ivey to “be wise, discerning, and tactful as to how you speak and when you speak and who you speak to.” Pointing to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Acho said Jesus told her to “go and sin no more” rather than “extrapolate every single sin” she had committed.
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