Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, faced ejection from a Chicago Sky game against the Indiana Fever after a heated courtside argument with Natasha Cloud of the Sky. Following this incident, the Sky have banned Kanter Freedom from attending future games at their venue indefinitely.
Sky owner Michael Alter commented on the ban, stating Kanter Freedom would be prohibited from returning to Wintrust Arena until he can demonstrate compliance with their rules, ensuring he poses no threat. Alter spoke with several individuals who were seated near Kanter Freedom during the game. They confirmed he initiated the confrontation with Cloud, which led to his removal from the area.
Alter characterized Kanter Freedom’s behavior as basketball-related trash talking, designed to provoke Cloud. Though Kanter Freedom did not step onto the court, Alter noted that by standing and approaching Cloud, Kanter Freedom became a threat.
Kanter Freedom was originally the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft selected by the Utah Jazz. He played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers before retiring. He recently gained attention with a video declaring his intent to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft if the league’s transgender participation policy remains unchanged.
During the game, Kanter Freedom wore a shirt emblazoned with the definition of ‘woman,’ leading to the confrontation with Cloud that resulted in his ejection and subsequent ban. Natasha Cloud, who has played in the WNBA since 2015 and was a member of the Washington Mystics’ 2019 championship team, did not address the altercation at postgame press conferences. A Sky spokesperson reported that Cloud discussed the incident with team and league security after the game.
Despite these events, sources indicate the WNBA will not enforce a league-wide ban on Kanter Freedom for the confrontation with Cloud.
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