Michael Alter, the principal owner of Chicago Sky, explained the decision to eject and ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena. Freedom was banned after an incident during a game against the Fever, as he took a step toward the court.
Alter explained, “That’s when he became a potential threat.” He added that security acted quickly, calling it the fastest decision to eject someone he’d seen.
“He wasn’t given a warning because certain threats don’t get warnings,” Alter stated, comparing the situation to firing a gun without a prior warning.
Freedom argued against his ejection in a letter to the WNBA, claiming he should have received a warning. However, the WNBA fan code does not specify that warnings are required.
Alter admitted he didn’t know if Freedom stepped on the court, but footage showed Freedom stepping toward it before a security guard intervened.
Alter described the altercation Freedom had with Natasha Cloud. Freedom claimed it began after he cheered for Fever player Sophie Cunningham. According to him, Cloud made inappropriate comments, escalating to a heated exchange.
Alter confirmed Cloud’s involvement in the confrontation but stated no rules were violated by her and no plans existed to discipline her. He reported talking to witnesses who claimed Freedom initiated the exchange with trash talk.
Despite no audio proof, Alter mentioned one spectator’s account differed, stating she didn’t hear Freedom before Cloud approached. Alter suggested this woman’s position at the event may explain the discrepancy.
“What they all shared with me was that he initiated the first verbal contact with Cloud,” Alter noted, describing Freedom’s gestures towards Cloud.
Alter addressed claims about a text exchange before the game. Freedom’s manager warned the Sky about their attendance, with language Alter perceived as indicative of potential trouble.
According to Alter, they didn’t stop Freedom from entering and instructed staff to ignore him. Security was informed, but players weren’t told in advance.
Alter expressed regret over not informing players earlier. He acknowledged the timing affected preparations but stated it didn’t change the decision to admit Freedom to the arena.
The text exchange reportedly showed notice was given, but interpretations varied. Alter believed it signaled potential issues, while Freedom’s side viewed it as a courtesy alert.
Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter, closely covers political and cultural sports issues, with his work referenced in several prominent media outlets.