Natasha Cloud Calls WNBA Culture War an ‘Intentional Distraction’

Natasha Cloud, the star forward of the Washington Mystics, refused to discuss her verbal altercation with Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player who is also competing in the WNBA. Instead, Cloud decided to focus on the broader issues surrounding the league. She stated that she would rather speak about matters that directly impact women and children, such as sexual assault, food insecurity, and the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Cloud argued that these are issues that deserve immediate attention and that the league is being distracted from these problems. She pointed out that the culture war surrounding the WNBA is an intentional distraction, claiming that when people hate each other and hold biases against one another, real life issues are neglected. Cloud also suggested that the league is being used as a platform for conservative agendas, particularly in the lead-up to the midterm elections.

She emphasized that the WNBA should not be used as a pawn in any political or cultural wars. Cloud specifically criticized men for their role in attacking the WNBA and the trans community. She said that men who claim to want to protect the league are the same ones who previously opposed the payment and investment in the women's sport.

Cloud concluded by urging other men who stand with standards to support the protection of women, including black women and trans women, and called for a league-wide ban on Freedom, which the WNBA has not yet agreed to implement.