Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Ryan slams the WNBA after Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted out of Wintrust Arena on Sunday for defending female athletes.
Ryan attacks league over trans controversy
Ryan posted a blistering comment on Freedom’s Instagram, calling the league “clueless” and demanding it protect women’s sports.
He argued that defining a woman should be simple and warned that the WNBA’s handling of the trans issue undermines its credibility.
What sparked the ejection
Freedom said the altercation began when Sky guard Natasha Cloud shouted at him after a routine play by Sophie Cunningham.
He claimed Cloud used profanity and threatened his personal safety, prompting his removal in the third quarter.
League response and fallout
WNBA officials have not issued a formal statement, but players such as Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White downplayed the incident as a social media issue.
Freedom warned that the league faces a reckoning and may suspend him from future WNBA events.
Public support and broader implications
Matt Ryan joined a growing list of athletes backing Freedom, urging the WNBA to adopt clear standards on gender eligibility.
He emphasized that over 80% of Americans support a straightforward definition of womanhood and called on the league to become a true protector of women’s sports.
Alejandro Avila, longtime OutKick writer, reported from Southern California.
