Michael Alter, owner of the Chicago Sky, announced on Tuesday that Enes Kanter Freedom is banned from Wintrust Arena. This follows an altercation involving Freedom and Natasha Cloud on Sunday. Alter’s address to beat writers outlined this decision.
The incident, which occurred during a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, happened in the third quarter. Cloud scored, prompting the Fever to call a timeout. She then directed her emotions toward Freedom, seated near the basket. In response, Freedom stood and moved toward Cloud, resulting in security and players intervening.
According to Sky officials, the decision to bar Freedom was made by Wintrust Arena security in consultation with NBA security and Chicago police. They labeled Freedom a threat when he gestured toward Cloud and moved towards the court. Freedom reportedly began ‘chirping’ at Cloud during the third quarter, which Alter described as trash talking.
Following the incident, Freedom was escorted out and not permitted to return. He later responded with a statement to OutKick, asserting that he adhered to league rules, contrasting this with Cloud’s actions, which he claims breached league policy without consequence.
The initial altercation stemmed from a series of events involving Sophie Cunningham’s three-point shot. Freedom raised his hands to celebrate, which Cloud misinterpreted, leading to her outburst. Freedom maintains his intentions were misread, insisting he was not seeking personal interactions with Cloud.
Freedom wore a shirt defining a woman, which he believes contributed to Cloud’s reaction. Cloud, on the other hand, responded on social media, vocalizing support for the transgender community and appearing to address Freedom’s stance indirectly.
This was Freedom’s first WNBA game amid his ambition to enter the WNBA Draft. Notably, he received a hostile reception from WNBA fans upon arrival at the arena.
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