Enes Kanter Freedom Ejected From WNBA Game After Courtside Confrontation
Center-RightRigor 5219 sources
The Story
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Sunday night's Indiana-Chicago WNBA game after a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter. Freedom was sitting courtside wearing a black shirt that read "WOMAN noun. Adult human female." The incident occurred with 1:22 left in the third quarter after Cloud scored inside, prompting a Fever timeout. Cloud, 34, then turned and walked in Freedom's direction, yelling and pointing at him. Freedom, 34, stood up, held his arms out, and took one step onto the court before security and Sky players intervened. Chicago forward Azura Stevens stated after the Sky's 113-90 loss that it was just a fan incident and the security handled it. Chicago coach Tyler Marsh said Cloud was concerned about being a distraction, but he told her the team embraces her as someone who protects the team and people who need protection. Freedom stopped near the basket to argue his case to security as he was escorted from the court, spinning around and holding his shirt out to encourage the crowd. He later spoke with police officers before leaving Wintrust Arena. Freedom posted on social media, "I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA." He told OutKick the confrontation began after he celebrated a three-pointer by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, and Cloud then screamed, "She’s not gonna sleep with you." Freedom also claimed Cloud used profanity in front of children. Cloud posted a pro-trans message on Threads after the game, stating, "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." Freedom previously announced his intention to compete in the WNBA, claiming he identifies as a woman. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement restricts the league to women but lacks specific language on gender identity. No transgender basketball player has ever competed in the WNBA.
The Spread
Right
What they agree on
- Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game on Sunday night.
- The ejection followed a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud during the third quarter.
- Freedom was wearing a black shirt that read "WOMAN noun. Adult human female."
- Natasha Cloud yelled and pointed at Freedom, who then stood up and stepped onto the court.
- Security personnel intervened and escorted Freedom from the arena.
Where they split
- The Daily Wire and Fox News provide Freedom's account of the confrontation, including his claim that Cloud made a crude remark and used profanity.
- Fox News and The Daily Beast detail Natasha Cloud's pro-trans message posted on Threads after the incident.
- The Daily Beast and Raw Story connect the incident to Sophie Cunningham, nicknamed "MAGA Barbie," and her views on transgender athletes.
- Breitbart News and Fox News mention Freedom's pre-game activities, including being confronted by fans and posting a photo outside a restroom.
Source Perspectives
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