Former NBA player ejected from WNBA game after confronting fan
Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a WNBA game after a verbal exchange with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud, which he discussed on a television program.
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom appeared on a television program on Monday to describe his removal from the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game on Sunday. Freedom said he was seated near the baseline wearing a shirt that identified him as a woman and that he raised his hand to celebrate a three-point shot made by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
According to Freedom, Sky guard Natasha Cloud responded by confronting him and using profanity. He recounted that Cloud told him Cunningham would not "sleep with" him and that she continued to use vulgar language in front of spectators, including children. Freedom said security escorted him out of Wintrust Arena while Cloud remained in the arena.
Freedom told the host that he attended the game out of an interest in basketball and to support Cunningham, who has faced criticism for her comments on women's sports. He also referenced league policies, stating that he believes his identification as a woman should permit him to participate in WNBA activities.
The league later communicated to media outlets that Freedom would not be eligible for a WNBA draft. A former NBA player, Royce White, warned that the league might seek to prevent Freedom from attending future games.
Fever head coach Stephanie White described the incident as a matter that had been amplified on social media.