Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom stated he did not deserve to be removed from a WNBA game following a heated exchange with Chicago Sky player Natasha Cloud.
Freedom said he attended Sunday’s Indiana Fever versus Chicago Sky matchup to support the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, who recently claimed biological men should not participate in women’s sports. He alleged that Cloud told him Cunningham would not sleep with him.
“I’m just here to support my friend and protect women,” Freedom stated. “And then she started to cuss at me. She started to yell at me.”
After the incident, Freedom was escorted from the arena and banned from all Chicago Sky home games. He emphasized his 11 years in the NBA: “As a fan, you’re not allowed to touch a player. You’re not allowed to step over the baseline or the sideline. I literally opened my arms.”
Freedom added, “I respect the players. I respect the rules,” but noted he was not warned prior to being removed. He criticized NBA security for permitting fans to throw objects and shout obscenities under the guise of free speech.
Identifying as a transgender woman, Freedom said he remains committed to seeking WNBA playing opportunities until the league’s collective bargaining agreement specifies that only biological women may compete. He referenced Article 13, Section 1: “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”
Freedom also remarked, “Maybe tomorrow I’m going to wake up and I’m going to say, I feel like a Pokemon.” If the WNBA adds the word “biological” next to “female” in its collective bargaining agreement, he will immediately halt his efforts. “But until then, I’m just a rule follower, right? I’m just following the rules.”
