Credit: Screenshot NBC
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Sunday night's WNBA matchup between the red-hot Indiana Fever (25-14) and the Chicago Sky (15-23) after a tense confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter.
The incident had unfolded quickly and drew immediate attention from players, security personnel, and fans inside Wintrust Arena in Chicago's South Loop.
It also overshadowed the remarkable performance by Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who scored 37 points and dished out ten assists in 32 minutes of action. Clark also connected on eight three-pointers; Clark now has more 30+ points and ten assists or more games in her career (five) than the rest of the WNBA has combined in league history (four).
Ex-NBA Player's Heated Argument With WNBA Stars
Freedom had been seated along the baseline throughout the game, wearing a black shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” His presence had already sparked conversation online due to recent comments he and former NBA player Royce White made about declaring themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.
White revealed on Aug. 7 in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that he planned on declaring for the WNBA Draft. His announcement came just hours after former NBA center Kanter Freedom said on social media he intended to declare as well. White explained that he identifies as a woman for the purposes of professional basketball and will pursue the 2027 draft.
"I'm transgender. I'm a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for the purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I'll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well," White said that day.
Royce White
Royce White
WNBA Player Explains Why She Confronted Ex-NBA Star
Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter (13) gestures
Following the game between the Fever and Sky, Cloud issued a message on Threads expressing solidarity with the trans community, assuring them they are valued, seen, and protected. Sky coach Tyler Marsh later defended his player, telling reporters the team views her as someone who safeguards both her teammates and those in need.
"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," Cloud wrote.
Freedom claimed Cloud erupted using profanity in front of young fans.
"She started to yell. She started to use some very heavy language. She started to actually cuss, and I was very shocked that there were a lot of kids and that there were a lot of teenagers at that game," Freedom said.
"I just cannot believe that she was just cussing and using those F-bombs in front of all these kids," Freedom continued. "I’m sure she’s loved in Chicago, and many kids are idolizing her and stuff, but that’s not how a WNBA athlete should react."
Enes Kanter Freedom
Enes Kanter Freedom
Dave Portnoy said on social media that Kanter is an "absolute clown" for attempting to disrupt proceedings in a professional game.
"I don't think boys should be allowed to play in girls' sports. I also think Enes Kanter is an absolute clown for making this issue about him. We should be talking about how Caitlin had another double-double: 37 and 10."
Many people, like Portnoy, acknowledge this political declaration as a "political stunt" rather than an attempt to actually join the league.
Sunday night’s incident added another layer to the ongoing conversation, raising questions about how the league will respond to individuals who attend games with the intention of provoking reactions.
At 34, Kanter has logged 748 appearances across 11 NBA seasons after being selected third overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA Draft. His release from the Houston Rockets in Feb. 2022 effectively ended his tenure in the NBA. He asserted at the time that his dismissal from the league was tied to his criticism of the Chinese government, an allegation NBA commissioner Adam Silver quickly refuted.