Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted out of Wintrust Arena during a WNBA game after a shouting match with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The incident unfolded in the third quarter with the Indiana Fever leading 81‑75.
Ejection Sparks Firestorm
Security intervened after Freedom stepped toward the court, prompting boos from the Chicago crowd. The guard had been barking at him during a timeout.
Cloud, a Sky guard, had called America ‘trash’ earlier, prompting Freedom to shout, ‘I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting women!’ He added, ‘It’s always women hating on other women.’
Commissioner Responds
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert blamed the wrong people for sowing divisiveness in the transgender debate. She said the league would continue to prioritize inclusion despite the controversy.
Freedom Announces Draft Bid
Freedom posted a photo outside an arena restroom at halftime, captioning it, ‘It’s halftime and I need to use the restroom… Rules are rules @WNBA.’ He also declared his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA draft.
Pre‑game Tension
Before tipoff, a mob of progressive fans confronted Freedom outside the arena, forcing security to form a shield around the 6‑foot‑10 center. One spectator flipped him the bird while another shouted, ‘You were sorry in the league!’
Game Outcome
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever defeated Chicago 113‑90, underscoring the competitive backdrop of the dispute. The final score highlighted the Fever’s dominance despite the earlier drama.
Requests for comment to the Chicago Sky and Wintrust Arena remain unanswered, but Freedom says he will not be silenced.
