Enes Kanter Freedom Details WNBA Confrontation, Ejection

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has detailed a heated exchange with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud that led to his ejection from a WNBA game, asserting that Cloud made vulgar remarks and used profanity in front of young fans. Freedom, who was seated courtside at Wintrust Arena to support Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, described the incident as stemming from his celebration of Cunningham’s three-pointer.

Confrontation Erupts Over On-Court Celebration

According to Freedom, the confrontation began a few possessions after he cheered for Cunningham. He stated that Cloud approached him, yelling and making a remark about Cunningham not sleeping with him. Freedom recounted his response, emphasizing that his intention was solely to support women, not to pursue a romantic relationship with Cunningham.

“Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate,” Freedom explained. “Literally, a couple possessions later, Natasha came back and started screaming and yelling and said, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’ And I was like, ‘I am not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to protect women and support her.’”

Video footage of the incident shows Cloud walking toward Freedom, visibly agitated and pointing. Freedom stood up, extending his arms, and took a step onto the court as security and Sky players intervened. Freedom also claimed that Cloud then began using profanity, which he found particularly objectionable given the presence of children and teenagers in the audience.

“She started to yell. She started to use some very heavy language. She started to actually cuss, and I was very shocked that there were a lot of kids and that there were a lot of teenagers at that game,” Freedom said. “I just cannot believe that she was just cussing and using those F-bombs in front of all these kids. I’m sure she’s loved in Chicago and many kids are idolizing her and stuff, but that’s not how a WNBA athlete should react.”

Shirt Choice and WNBA Aspirations

The incident occurred with just under two minutes remaining in the third quarter, shortly after Cloud had scored and celebrated with teammate Aicha Coulibaly. Freedom, who was wearing a black shirt with the definition of “woman” printed on it, believes his attire may have contributed to Cloud’s reaction.

“I was obviously wearing a shirt explaining what a woman is, and I think that had a lot to do with what she thinks about women. I think it triggered her a lot,” Freedom stated. He reiterated his initial reason for being there was to cheer for his friend, not to provoke anyone.

Following the game, Cloud posted a message on Threads expressing support for the transgender community. “To every trans kid/person, You are apart of MY community & tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are. & you will always be protected by me,” she wrote. Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud, stating, “We all embrace her as someone who protects our team and protects people who need to be protected.”

Ejection and Security Interaction

Freedom described his interaction with arena security, stating they asked him to leave without providing a clear reason. He recounted asking for an explanation and being told simply to leave, with security personnel escorting him out of the venue.

“I was like, ‘Can you please tell me why I need to leave?’ They said, ‘Look, you just need to leave,’” Freedom said. “They pretty much pushed me to leave the gym.” He also mentioned asking an employee not to touch him, asserting that he was being removed simply for supporting women.

Freedom maintained that the exchange with Cloud was unrelated to transgender issues or his stated intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. He had previously announced his plans to enter the draft, aiming to challenge the league’s eligibility standards, as the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement defines eligibility for players who are women but lacks explicit definitions for transgender athletes.

WNBA’s Response and Freedom’s Determination

The WNBA, in response to Freedom and former NBA player Royce White announcing their draft intentions, stated that its anti-hate task force had addressed transgender athletes and online attacks. The league issued a statement denouncing “bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”

Freedom rejected any characterization of his campaign as anti-transgender or anti-LGBTQ, emphasizing his respect for personal decisions and various groups. He expressed that the confrontation has only fueled his determination to pursue a place in the WNBA.

“If anything, I’m more pumped up,” Freedom said. “I cannot wait to go against Natasha now. I think it will be fun for me if I get drafted by any other team. I don’t think Chicago will select me. We know that now. But any other team, I just cannot wait to go against her.”

Communication and Future Plans

Freedom stated he has not been contacted by the WNBA since announcing his draft plans and offered to speak directly with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. He has attended a WNBA game in person for the first time, expressing his admiration for women’s basketball.

He also shared an emotional encounter with a young girl and her mother after leaving the arena, who thanked him for his advocacy. Freedom views this interaction as reinforcing his belief that the issue transcends political divides.

Freedom cited Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams as an inspiration for his WNBA pursuit. He intends to follow the league’s rules for draft eligibility, noting his physical capabilities at age 34 and his belief that he could play well into his 40s.

Regarding potential guilt about competing against women, Freedom stated he would feel none, as he would be adhering to the rules set by the league and its players. He expressed a preference for the Indiana Fever, envisioning a partnership with Caitlin Clark akin to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

Freedom clarified that his pursuit is independent of Royce White’s similar announcement. He also indicated that other professional players, including former NBA, European, and G League athletes, have privately expressed interest in his campaign, citing potential financial incentives within the WNBA’s salary structure.

Despite facing death threats and abusive messages, Freedom reiterated that his motivation is to defend women, not to engage in political activism. He remains open to dialogue with WNBA leadership.