Sky Owner Breaks Silence on Decision to Ban Enes Kanter Freedom

The Chicago Sky has issued a statement explaining its decision to ban former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from the stadium following an incident involving point guard Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred during a loss against the Indiana Fever, with Kanter Freedom sitting courtside wearing a T-shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female." Following a timeout, Cloud approached Kanter Freedom and verbally confronted him, despite the player's lack of All-Star selection during his decade-long career.

During a press conference on Tuesday night, Sky owner Michael Alter revealed that Kanter Freedom's actions demonstrated a potential threat to the team's safety and the well-being of other players. The owner stated that Kanter Freedom had proven he was unable to control himself, making it impossible for them to feel comfortable having him near the players or on the court once again. Consequently, the decision was made to prohibit Kanter Freedom from entering the building until he could prove otherwise.

Alter further explained that Kanter Freedom's manager had informed the team's general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, of the planned attendance. The team's staff recognized the provocative nature of Kanter Freedom's attendance, believing that he aimed to draw attention and create a scene. Alter emphasized that the team understood the intent behind Kanter Freedom's presence, but ultimately, the player achieved exactly what he sought, garnering the attention he desired.