Kenny Stills has a challenge for pro athletes who are posting bible verses in support of a homophobic NBA player: speak out on issues that matter.
The ex-NFL vet and long-time LGBTQ+ ally raised the issue on X.
Athletes posting bible verses supporting the basketball player. But no bible verses condemning genocide, epstein, ICE? 🤔
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) April 3, 2026
It’s a fair point, and one we’ve wondered ourselves. For generations, homophobes have used religion as a shield for their animus towards LGBTQ+ people.
Jaden Ivey, and his defenders, are the latest example.
This week, the Chicago Bulls cut Ivey after he shared a series of concerning rants on social media. In one of them, he slams the NBA for recognizing Pride Month.
“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They show it the world,” he says. “They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards, they proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness.”
The Bulls released Ivey shortly thereafter, citing conduct detrimental to the team.
Within Jaden Ivey’s 45-minute rant posted on Instagram a short time ago, he takes aim at the NBA celebrating pride night:
“Join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness. They (NBA) proclaim it.”
Ivey will likely be fined from this. A truly unfortunate situation to watch. https://t.co/ZVSO8ga3K0 pic.twitter.com/YAVKC2vnLZ
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 30, 2026
Since then, Ivey’s erratic behavior has only validated Chicago’s decision to cut him loose. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls’ discontent with Ivey stemmed from “an accumulation of posts and comments that started last month.”
Beat writer Joe Cowley reports that Ivey would often ask reporters if they’ve “been saved” or “fornicated before marriage.”
Despite his outbursts, anti-gay conservatives are trying to sanctify Ivey. That includes New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, who posted a series of bible verses in defense of him.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 https://t.co/CTpkaMx0oT
— TreVeyon Henderson (@TreVeyonH4) March 31, 2026
Ryan O’Callaghan, an out former NFL player who also played for the Patriots, told Outsports that Henderson is “easily replaceable.”
Ouch!
But as Stills points out, Henderson and others like him are deeply uninformed. There are a lot of atrocities happening in America that violate the teachings of Christ. The Bulls cutting a homophobe isn’t one of them.
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Kenny Stills is a proud ally
Stills caught 38 touchdowns during his nine-year NFL career. A regular in the end zone, the dynamic receiver also never missed the opportunity to take a stand. Or a knee.
When Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to call out police violence and racial injustice. Stills was one of the few players who initially joined him. He continued kneeling for years.
While playing for the Miami Dolphins, Stills also became visible in South Florida’s queer community. He won an award from an LGBTQ+ organization in 2018.
“All discrimination is something I don’t agree with,” he told Outsports at the time. “It’s something I’m against.”
Now retired, Stills works with the NFL on inclusion. He’s hosted LGBTQ+ youth for a flag football clinic during Super Bowl week.
Given Stills’ vocal stances, there’s speculation teams became weary of signing him. Back in 2019, he called out the Dolphins’ owner for hosting a fundraiser for Tr*mp.
In an interview with ESPN, Stills said he has no regrets.
Cutting down homophobes
With a tatted up bod himself, Stills is all about free expression. He’s come to the defense of other male athletes who paint their nails and adopt unconventional looks.
In one amusing exchange, he shut down former Bills wideout Cole Beasley for wondering why guys paint their nails.
Though Sills calls himself an “eternal student,” we could all learn a lot from him. He seems like a pretty cool guy to hang out with.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes…
When it comes to being an ally, he’s the whole package!
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