Why was Enes Kanter ejected from the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky?
The Fever-Sky rivalry delivered another headline — but this time, the drama came from courtside after Enes Kanter Freedom’s confrontation with Natasha Cloud.
E nes Kanter Freedom found himself at the center of controversy once again. The former NBA player, who has expressed his intention to make his way into women’s basketball, was removed from Wintrust Arena during the third quarter of Sunday’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after a heated exchange with Chicago guard Natasha Cloud .
The incident occurred while the Fever held an 81-75 lead during a timeout. From the court, Cloud began directing comments toward Freedom, who was seated courtside.
The former center responded and stepped toward the floor, prompting security personnel to intervene and escort him out of the arena as Sky fans booed him.
Minutes after being removed, Freedom reacted on X , claiming he was kicked out for supporting women’s sports.
“I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!”
“It’s always women hating on other women.”
The confrontation carried a political backdrop. Freedom had previously criticized Cloud over some of her comments about the United States and said he would buy her a ticket to China, Russia, or Turkey so she could see “what real tyranny looks like.” He also attended the game wearing a shirt featuring the definition of the word “woman,” a message that sparked reactions among those in attendance.
The former player had already created controversy before the game. During halftime, he posted a photo outside a restroom inside the arena with the caption:
“It’s halftime and I need to use the restroom… Rules are rules @WNBA.”
Tensions were also high before tipoff, when Freedom was confronted by a group of protesters outside the arena. Security had to create a perimeter around the 6-foot-10 former NBA center , while some fans made offensive gestures and others shouted, “You were trash in the league!”
Freedom shared a video of the confrontation on social media with the message:
“We are getting attacked before the @WNBA game in Chicago.”
In recent months, Freedom has become a controversial figure due to his outspoken views in defense of women’s sports and his support for players such as Sophie Cunningham.
For now, the WNBA has not announced whether there will be additional consequences or whether Freedom will be allowed to attend future games.
On the court, the Indiana Fever earned a dominant victory, defeating the Chicago Sky 113-90.
