Enes Kanter Freedom Files Lawsuit Against Chicago Sky After Arena Ejection

Enes Kanter Freedom has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Sky following his ejection from Wintrust Arena during a game against the Indiana Fever. The altercation with guard Natasha Cloud led to Freedom’s expulsion. He claims in the U.S. District Court that he was “peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights” by wearing a T-shirt that stated, “WOMAN noun, adult human female.”

Freedom is indefinitely banned from Wintrust Arena. He is considering further legal action. He argues that the ban is a response to his viewpoint.

Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Freedom’s lawsuit cites discrimination based on his “expression of viewpoint and gender identity”. It names the Chicago Women’s Basketball Operations LLC, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), and the City of Chicago as defendants.

“Defendants compounded and exacerbated Plaintiff’s injuries when they subsequently banned Plaintiff indefinitely from attendance,” the lawsuit states.

The document emphasizes Freedom’s advocacy for the integrity of women-only sports. He also declares himself eligible for WNBA participation based on current WNBA rules.

Freedom’s stance has gathered criticism. His lawsuit includes claims of harassment at the game from fans using profane and racial language. He states that these fans faced no warnings or ejection.

During the game, Freedom’s celebration of a three-pointer led to Cloud directing profanities at him. His lawsuit argues this was motivated by the message on his shirt. Cloud faced no disciplinary action, and Sky owner Michael Alter chose not to pursue any.

Alter reportedly mischaracterized the incident, likening Freedom’s actions to “shooting a gun.” Freedom’s complaint seeks a court declaration of First Amendment violations and requests nominal and compensatory damages.

In his statement, Freedom asserts, “My T-shirt did what the whole [WNBA] apparently couldn’t: define a woman.” He emphasizes his stance on free speech and declares he will not be intimidated or silenced.