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Enes Kanter Freedom Ejected from WNBA Game After Player Confrontation

August 24, 2026Diego Herrera3 мин

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after engaging in a verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.

While seated courtside, Kanter Freedom stood and gestured towards the court after Cloud began shouting at him during a timeout. Kanter Freedom was notably wearing a t-shirt that read "WOMAN noun. Adult human female."

This incident follows his earlier declaration of intent to enter the WNBA draft next season, citing concerns about current eligibility rules for transgender women players. Security and other Sky players intervened before Kanter Freedom, a former center for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, was escorted from the venue.

Kanter Freedom shared his experience on X, stating, "I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!"

In response, Cloud posted on Threads, sending a message to transgender individuals: "To every trans kid/person, you are a part of MY community & tribe. You belong. You're loved. You're seen. You're perfect as you are & you will always be protected by me."

Kanter Freedom reportedly spoke with police officers before leaving Chicago's Wintrust Arena. The Indiana Fever ultimately won the game with a score of 113-90.

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh commented on the situation, suggesting that attendees should focus on enjoying the game and the players' performances. He added, "Being a former basketball player, you should probably understand and feel that, too."

English Translation:

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Sunday's Women's NBA match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.

Positioned at courtside, Kanter Freedom rose with his arms extended and moved toward the court as Cloud began pointing and shouting at him during a break in play. Kanter Freedom was wearing a t-shirt inscribed with the words "WOMAN noun. Adult human female."

Earlier this month, he had announced his intention to participate in next season's WNBA Draft, referencing the current eligibility guidelines, or lack thereof, for transgender women players. Security personnel and other Sky players intervened before Kanter Freedom, a former center for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, was escorted from the premises.

He posted on X: "I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!"

Writing on Threads after the game, Cloud stated: "To every trans kid/person, you are apart of MY community & tribe. You belong. You're loved. You're seen. You're perfect as you are & you will always be protected by me."

Kanter Freedom reportedly conferred with police officers before departing Chicago's Wintrust Arena. The Fever secured a 113-90 victory in the match.

"There's so many good things about this league and so many good things about the play of these players, that if you come to a game, you should probably come to enjoy the basketball," said Sky head coach Tyler Marsh. "That seems pretty simple to me. I think these players deserve that and have earned that. Being a former basketball player, you should probably understand and feel that, too."