Entertainment
Enes Kanter Freedom removed from WNBA game following exchange with Chicago Sky's Natasha Cloud
The former NBA player was escorted out of Wintrust Arena after a late-game confrontation with the Sky guard.
The short version
- Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a Chicago Sky home game against the Indiana Fever after a courtside verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
- Freedom claimed Cloud initiated the dispute by yelling and using profanity toward him after he celebrated a basket by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
- The incident follows Freedom's recent public campaign to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft to challenge the league's player eligibility standards.
- Neither Cloud nor arena officials have publicly provided an official statement explaining the specific grounds for Freedom's removal.
Key facts
- Freedom was ejected by arena security during the third quarter of the Indiana Fever's 113-90 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.[Fox News]
- During the confrontation, Cloud walked toward Freedom while yelling and gesturing, prompting security and players to intervene as Freedom stood up near the court.[Fox News]
- Freedom wore a shirt defining the word 'woman' and stated he attended the matchup after participating in a pregame rally supporting Cunningham's public opposition to transgender athletes in female sports.[Fox News]
- Following the contest, Cloud published a social media message pledging support and protection for the transgender community.[Fox News]
- The WNBA previously denounced efforts by Freedom and former NBA player Royce White to enter the draft, labeling such attempts bad-faith efforts to demean others.[Fox News]