Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Sunday night’s Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game at Wintrust Arena after a heated courtside confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
Freedom, seated near the baseline, was wearing a black shirt that read “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” He said the exchange began after he cheered a three-pointer by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, a friend who has publicly opposed transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
According to Freedom, Cloud approached him a few possessions later, yelled, and said, “She’s not gonna sleep with you.” Freedom said he responded that he was not trying to sleep with Cunningham and was there to support women. He claimed Cloud then used heavy profanity in front of children and teenagers in the stands. Video shows Cloud walking toward him, pointing and yelling late in the third quarter. Freedom stood and stepped toward the court before security and Sky players intervened. He was ordered to leave the arena.
I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN!
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 24, 2026
Let that sink in, AMERICA! 🇺🇸
Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud after the game, saying the team embraces her as someone who protects the group and others who need protection. Cloud later posted a message affirming support for the transgender community.
Freedom has said the confrontation was not about transgender issues and that he is not anti-trans, but he believes his shirt and support for Cunningham triggered the reaction.
The incident comes amid heightened tension in the WNBA around women’s sports eligibility. Freedom has announced plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft as a way to force clearer rules. Cunningham has faced protests and counter-protests since speaking out.
Separately, the expansion Toronto Tempo introduced a new “non-binary” turtle mascot named Dez (she/they pronouns) during a recent home game against the Fever. The team also unveiled companion Dot, an arctic hare using she/her pronouns. The reveal occurred during a matchup with Cunningham’s team and has been widely viewed as a pointed response to her comments.
The Fever defeated the Sky 113-90 on Sunday, with Caitlin Clark scoring 37 points. Freedom said the ejection has only increased his determination to pursue a place in the league.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
