Police block Enes Kanter Freedom from entering WNBA Finals arena
Enes Kanter Freedom’s WNBA Finals appearance took an unexpected turn after security directed him to a private suite amid safety concerns.
The Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena took special security measures to allow former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom to attend Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, although he was required to watch the game from a private suite.
However, a video shared on social media showed Kanter attempting to enter the arena without much success, arguing that he had purchased a ticket for the game.
In the footage, Freedom can be seen accompanied by police officers while he is unable to enter the arena to watch the action.
Freedom had expressed concerns about his safety and contacted federal, state and local authorities, as well as the WNBA, the Dream and arena officials.
“Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request.”
The suite will have additional security and will be Freedom’s designated viewing location for the game. State police also assigned an officer to accompany him at his request.
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Freedom explained that he was motivated to attend the game after hearing Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams say she would support a transgender athlete playing in the league.
“As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, ‘I have no problem with trans athletes playing on my team or against my team,’” Freedom wrote in his post. “Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA draft. I can’t wait to watch my favorite player, the woman who inspired me to become who I am today!”
Freedom and Royce Whit e, another former NBA player, have both declared for the WNBA draft , stating that they identify as women. However, a person familiar with the league’s decision told The Associated Press in August that neither player is eligible to enter the draft. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has since publicly confirmed that position.
On Wednesday, Freedom shared a photo of himself in Atlanta and also posted a copy of a letter from Engelbert responding to a question from Indiana Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman regarding the eligibility of transgender athletes to compete in the league.
“With respect to your questions regarding eligibility, only women are eligible to play in the WNBA, and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men,” Engelbert wrote, referring to Freedom and White.
Freedom responded by criticizing the league’s stance:
“Apparently the WNBA can still define what a WOMAN is, but they’re absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!”
