Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom reacts as he is removed from the arena during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom reacts as he is removed from the arena during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is currently one of the most controversial people in the basketball world. Following his decision to declare for the WNBA Draft, effectively as a means of raising questions about the league’s policy on transgender athletes, Freedom appears to be pushing the envelope with every move he makes.
Enes Kanter Freedom’s recent statement about playing in the WNBA, potentially partnering up with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark to form a duo on par with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, gained a lot of attention from the fan base. On that note, his latest appearance at the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game was also particularly questionable.
Freedom’s presence undoubtedly laid the foundation for a particularly charged environment. Unfortunately, the former NBA player’s attendance was short-lived, as he was eventually thrown off the premises after a heated exchange with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud ensued at the end of the third quarter.
Enes Kanter GOT INTO IT with a WNBA player and was KICKED OUT the arena pic.twitter.com/DCBhO8ZPhD
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 24, 2026
Even before entering the stadium, Enes Kanter Freedom was greeted by boos from fans around the arena. Despite the negative public opinion, Freedom continued his questionable approach toward flagging the WNBA’s policy on transgender athletes by posting a picture next to a women’s restroom, commenting:
“It’s halftime, and I need to use the restroom… Rules are rules.”
While Freedom has undoubtedly been toeing the line, this may have pushed matters too far.
In many ways, Natasha Cloud’s reaction to Enes Kanter Freedom seems justified. Apart from the former NBA player’s general disposition, Freedom wore a black T-shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” highlighting the definition of a woman.
For obvious reasons, it was a clear attempt to get a reaction from fans and players in the arena. In that regard, Cloud’s frustration was appropriate. Unfortunately, it gave Freedom a platform to propagate his message, as he took to social media to fire off more shots at the WNBA, tweeting:
“I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!”
“It’s always women hating on other women,” he added.
The WNBA’s lack of response to Enes Kanter Freedom’s actions is quite concerning. Given that this “movement” is also receiving support from other former NBA players, the league may need to take a more aggressive approach before things get further out of hand.
Enes Kanter Freedom Faces Backlash
While some have aligned with Enes Kanter Freedom’s goals, many have publicly criticized the former NBA player. Thus, in the hours after his departure from the Fever-Sky game, especially after his reaction to being kicked out of the arena, many notable figures poured in to call out Freedom.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma was among the first to fire shots at Freedom, as he commented:
“Look at the drama queen… no, not Natasha. Grown man stepping over the baseline at a woman.”
Kuzma has been quite vocal about his displeasure with the WNBA’s transgender policy. Despite this, the forward appears to have a greater issue with Enes Kanter Freedom.
Investigative journalist Pablo Torre also reacted to the clip of Freedom’s exit on X, sharing:
“I think we can all agree that stepping out toward the baseline in the middle of a WNBA game, getting ejected on purpose, and immediately claiming to be a victim is insanely pathetic.”
Following the incident with Natasha Cloud, Enes Kanter Freedom was arguing with security personnel before being escorted out of the arena. Thus, even though Freedom’s actions were clearly motivated to spark controversy, the former NBA player refused to abandon his stance.
The backlash is an inevitable consequence of Freedom’s approach, but it doesn’t seem to dissuade him in the slightest. Given how it drives further controversy, one can only hope the WNBA addresses the matter quickly and puts an end to the situation.