US News
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game after exchange with Natasha Cloud
Security escorted Kanter Freedom out of Wintrust Arena during the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky game after an on-court confrontation.
The short version
- Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game on Sunday following a verbal confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
- Kanter Freedom, who sat courtside wearing a T-shirt defining the word 'woman,' was escorted out of Wintrust Arena by security after stepping toward the court as Cloud pointed and yelled at him.
- Following the Sky's 113-90 loss to the Indiana Fever, Cloud issued a statement of support for the transgender community on social media, while Kanter Freedom posted that he was removed for supporting women.
- The incident occurs amid ongoing public debates surrounding transgender participation in women's sports, though the WNBA has never had a known transgender player.
Key facts
- Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected during the third quarter of Sunday's game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.[Al Jazeera · CBS News]
- Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached Kanter Freedom while yelling and pointing at him, prompting Kanter Freedom to stand and step toward the court with outstretched arms before officials and security separated them.[Al Jazeera · CBS News]
- Kanter Freedom wore a black T-shirt displaying the text 'WOMAN noun. Adult human female.'[Al Jazeera · CBS News]
- After the game, Cloud posted a message on social media offering support and protection for transgender individuals.[Al Jazeera · CBS News]
- Kanter Freedom wrote on social media after his removal that he was ejected for supporting women.[Al Jazeera]
- The WNBA collective bargaining agreement limits eligibility to women, but does not explicitly define rules regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth.[Al Jazeera · CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact words exchanged between Cloud and Kanter Freedom prior to security stepping in remain unconfirmed.[Al Jazeera · CBS News]