{"id":692767,"date":"2026-04-01T22:50:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T22:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/692767\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T22:50:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T22:50:29","slug":"jaden-ivey-opens-up-on-mental-health-amid-controversy-nearly-attempted-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/692767\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaden Ivey Opens Up on Mental Health Amid Controversy, Nearly Attempted Suicide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jaden Ivey
\n I Had Suicidal Thoughts In Past
\n … Claims He Was Not ‘Detrimental’ To Bulls<\/p>\n

\n Published
\n April 1, 2026
\n 8:58 AM PDT\n <\/p>\n

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PinPoint Podcast<\/p>\n

Jaden Ivey<\/a> isn’t going into hiding after getting cut from the Chicago Bulls — he spoke at length on several topics Tuesday night … claiming he never engaged in conduct “detrimental” to the team, while also opening up on his past struggles with mental health.<\/p>\n

Ivey — who sparked controversy for his social media videos opposing NBA Pride Night events this week — joined the “PinPoint Podcast” just over 24 hours after he lost his job.<\/p>\n

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Ivey stated his beliefs are rooted in his religion … and God has helped him through some of his biggest challenges … like when he contemplated taking his own life.<\/p>\n

“I’ve almost committed suicide multiple times, and I\u2019m not ashamed to say it,” Ivey said. “I\u2019m not ashamed because God was merciful to keep me here.”<\/p>\n

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“I almost committed suicide. I had [oxycodone] pills in my hand. And my wife was telling me, \u2018Don\u2019t do this. Don\u2019t go down this road.”<\/p>\n

“I didn’t do it by God’s grace.”<\/p>\n

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Ivey — who was sent to the Bulls in a three-team trade in February — then began discussing the current drama surrounding him: the anti-LGBTQ remarks that led to his release.<\/p>\n

“In terms of LGBTQ, I’m not against the man or the woman. I’m against what is contrary to the word of God,” Ivey said, “Man is not supposed to lie with a man and a woman is not supposed to lie with a woman.”<\/p>\n

“I have a mouth to speak. No one can stop me!”<\/p>\n

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PinPoint Podcast<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old guard also called out the Bulls for saying his conduct was “detrimental” to the team, arguing he was a strong player and a great teammate. Ivey said that at the end of the day, his expression of personal beliefs led to his unemployment.<\/p>\n

Ivey finds that decision inconsistent … bringing up Anthony Edwards<\/a>‘ situation in 2022 when he used a homophobic slur. He was fined<\/a>, but the Minnesota Timberwolves did not kick him off the team.<\/p>\n

Edwards publicly apologized for his comments.<\/p>\n

What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I\u2019m incredibly sorry. It\u2019s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there\u2019s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!
\n @anthonyedwards<\/a><\/p>\n

Ivey — who averaged 11.5 points per game before his release — said the situation with the Bulls won’t deter him from continuing his career, adding he’s ready to suit up for any team in the NBA or other pro basketball leagues.<\/p>\n

“As long as I’m doing the will of God, abiding in Jesus Christ, that’s what matters.”<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a>.several<\/p>\n