Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom faced removal from Wintrust Arena during a women’s basketball game. The incident occurred during the third quarter of a matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The ejection followed a verbal altercation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud, which escalated when Freedom moved towards the court, prompting intervention by security.
During a timeout, Cloud directed comments at Freedom, who was seated courtside. Freedom responded and moved closer to the action, leading security to escort the 11-year NBA veteran out of the arena amid boos from the crowd.
Immediately after leaving the arena, Freedom took to social media platform X, expressing his frustration. He commented, “I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!” He added, “It’s always women hating on other women.”
The conflict between Freedom and Cloud also included Freedom’s previous offer to purchase her a ticket to China, Russia, or Turkey, following her comments about America, which he referred to as “trash.” Freedom wore a shirt with the definition of “woman” printed on it, a message Cloud did not appreciate.
Following the game, Chicago Sky players Azura Stevens and Aicha Coulibaly addressed the ejection. Stevens stated, “There was just a fan incident and the security handled it. We’re going to just focus on the game,” declining further discussion on the matter.
Before his ejection, Freedom engaged in various activities, including posting social media content during halftime while needing restroom facilities. His presence outside the arena drew attention from progressive fans, leading security to shield him from an increasingly hostile crowd.
Enes Kanter Freedom has been vocal in defending female athletes, drawing support from Sophie Cunningham supporters before the tipoff. Despite the controversy, Freedom shows no signs of retreating from his stance or the confrontation with the league’s policies.
The Indiana Fever emerged victorious with a 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky. While it remains uncertain if Freedom will attend future WNBA games, he continues to challenge the league’s practices unabashedly.
Attempts to reach Chicago Sky and Wintrust Arena management for comments have not yet been successful.