Former K-State Women’s Basketball Guard Jada Thorpe has ignited a social media firestorm after crediting God for her recent partnership with Playboy.
While Jada Thorpe’s announcement was filled with gratitude and excitement, it also sparked a heated conversation about faith, ambition, and personal choices.
PLAYBOY is daringly returning to newsstands with a refreshed print edition for the February 2025 issue.
The release of the issue had previously been declared by PLBY Group, who indicated it would be an “annual edition” last year. On Thursday, the company provided additional information regarding its contents, featuring an interview with comedian Nikki Glaser and model actress Lori Harvey on the cover.
The news marks the latest twist in the brand’s long history. Founded by Hugh Hefner in the 1950s, Playboy became widely known for its centerfolds, in-depth interviews, and cultural coverage. It hasn’t appeared in print since 2020.
Taking to Instagram, Jada Thorpe shared the milestone moment as she partnered with the magazine with her followers. “God is so good! I am officially signed with @playboy. It has always been a dream of mine to be a part of the Playboy organization, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me 
link in my bio,” she wrote.
In one of the images uploaded, Jada posed confidently on a wooden stool, kneeling on one knee with her hands resting lightly on the stool’s seat for balance. She looked stunning in a fitted black bodysuit with long sleeves, accentuating her figure. Jada paired the outfit with stylish, strappy, high-heeled sandals as her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders.
The second photo paid tribute to her athletic career with Jada posing with a basketball held in her right hand, raised near shoulder level.
However, not everyone was ready to celebrate the news. Some social media users were quick to criticize the pairing of her faith-based gratitude with the controversial nature of Playboy’s brand. One commenter didn’t hold back, writing, “I am sorry, but thanking God for your new porn gig is diabolical.” Another added, “You’re not thanking the man upstairs, sis… You’re thanking the man downstairs.”
OFFICIALLY SIGNED W PLAYBOY! God is so good
— Jada Baby (@thorpe_jada) January 23, 2025
Despite the backlash, Jada remained unfazed, responding to critics with her silence.
