Chicago Sky guard calls for focus on women's issues after altercation with Enes Kanter Freedom

Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud told reporters ahead of the team’s game against the New York Liberty that she will not discuss the recent confrontation with former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, referring to him as “an irrelevant person.” She said her focus will be on “issues that actually affect women and children,” naming domestic violence, sexual assault and food insecurity as priorities.

Freedom, who wore a shirt reading “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” was removed from the arena after security deemed his approach toward Cloud a potential threat. The Sky have indefinitely banned him from home games, though owner Michael Alter indicated the ban could be reconsidered if Freedom demonstrates compliance with arena rules.

The WNBA has not announced a league-wide ban, but Cloud urged the league to adopt the Sky’s approach, stating, “We’re asking for protection, and that’s what protection looks like from a man.” She praised Sky officials Jeff Pagliocca, Tyler Marsh and Michael Alter for their handling of the situation.

The incident follows recent debates over transgender participation in women’s sports, sparked by comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. While no transgender women currently compete in the WNBA, the league has faced a series of controversies this season, including objects being thrown onto the court during a recent game.

Cloud attributed the heightened distractions to broader societal attitudes toward women, noting that men have historically questioned the value and investment in women’s sports.