Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from Sky-Fever game after confrontation

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game on Sunday evening after a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred late in the third quarter of the match, with Cloud scoring on a driving layup and subsequently approaching Freedom, who was seated in his courtside baseline seat.

Cloud's teammate, Indiana Fever guard Natasha Cloud, was restrained by security, while Freedom was escorted out of the arena and into the lobby by multiple security personnel. During his exit, Freedom displayed a shirt that read "WOMAN noun adult human female" and responded to jeers from the crowd. Freedom stated, "I'm supporting women, and that is the reason they're kicking me out.

It's unacceptable." In August, Freedom had announced his intention to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft to challenge the support of transgender women in the league. The 34-year-old had a career in the NBA spanning 11 seasons, playing 748 games before being waived by the Houston Rockets in February 2022. Freedom claimed his dismissal was due to his views on China, a statement NBA Commissioner Adam Silver denied.

Tricia Smith, a fan seated next to Freedom during the game, claimed Cloud initiated the confrontation, stating Cloud verbally insulted Freedom and he responded with questions. The incident extended beyond the arena as Freedom faced heckling after leaving the building.