Chicago Sky Owner Bars Enes Kanter Freedom from Arena After Incident

Chicago Sky team owner Michael Alter stated on Tuesday that Enes Kanter Freedom is no longer allowed at Wintrust Arena. This follows a confrontation with Natasha Cloud during a game on Sunday. Alter’s comments were made to beat writers.

The incident occurred during a match between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. Freedom and Cloud exchanged heated words, with Freedom approaching the court in a manner deemed threatening. Security officials from Wintrust Arena, the NBA, and Chicago police concluded Freedom posed a threat after assessing the situation.

The altercation began in the third quarter when Cloud scored, leading to a timeout. She directed her emotions toward Freedom, who was seated near the basket. Freedom responded by standing and moving towards Cloud, prompting intervention by players and security.

Alter described Freedom’s remarks as provocative trash talk, focusing on basketball but enough to spark confrontation. As a result, Freedom was ejected from the arena and couldn’t return for the game’s remainder.

On Wednesday, Freedom responded through a statement to OutKick, claiming that the WNBA failed to enforce its rules impartially. He asserted that he respected league guidelines, yet Cloud faced no repercussions for her outburst.

The rules are rules, and the WNBA must enforce them fairly. I will continue standing up for women, fairness, and the principle that no player or organization is above its own rules.

Freedom elaborated on the incident, stating that he was cheering for a friend, Sophie Cunningham, when Cloud began yelling comments at him. Freedom was surprised by Cloud’s remarks, emphasizing he was there to support women and wearing a shirt about a woman’s definition.

Cloud did not address the incident in the post-game media session. However, she posted on social media, expressing support for the transgender community, seemingly in response to Freedom’s stance and actions.

Freedom, formerly an NBA center, intends to enter the WNBA Draft. He faced criticism from WNBA fans upon his arrival at the game, highlighting ongoing discussions about transgender athletes in women’s sports.