Chicago Sky team owner Michael Alter has announced that Enes Kanter Freedom is banned from Wintrust Arena following his altercation with Sky player Natasha Cloud during a game against the Indiana Fever. The incident occurred during the third quarter and led to Freedom being escorted out of the venue.
Alter expressed concerns about Freedom being a potential threat, although specific details on why Freedom was deemed as such remain unclear. The altercation happened after Cloud scored and directed her emotions at Freedom, prompting his reaction.
“He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter stated via ESPN.
Freedom, who was attending his first WNBA game following his announcement of interest in joining the league, recounted his version of the events. He explained that Sophie Cunningham scored a three-pointer, which led him to cheer by raising his hands. Following a timeout called by the Fever, Cloud, angered by Freedom’s actions and attire, confronted him. Freedom was wearing a shirt defining a woman, which he believes triggered Cloud’s response.
“Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate,” Freedom told OutKick. “Cloud came back and accused me of something irrelevant. I emphasized my presence to support and protect women.”
Alter further noted Freedom’s behavior during the third quarter, categorizing it as trash talking aimed to provoke Cloud.
“He began to chirp with her in the third quarter,” Alter said via Chicago State of Mind Sports. “I would characterize it as trash talking, enough to get her attention and, in my opinion, to try to provoke her.”
Cloud opted not to speak postgame but posted a supportive message on Threads for the transgender community. The statement was seen as addressing the broader context of Freedom’s intent to join the WNBA, which has raised discussions around transgender athletes in sports.
“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.
The situation has sparked conversations regarding Freedom’s ambition to enter the WNBA Draft, a move met with mixed reactions from the WNBA community.
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