Chicago Sky Bans Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena

The Chicago Sky announced on Tuesday that they have banned former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from the Wintrust Arena following a recent altercation with Natasha Cloud during a game.

Michael Alter, the owner of the Chicago Sky, stated that Kanter Freedom has shown he poses a possible “threat.”

“He has shown us, without a doubt, that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter remarked.

Alter explained that the conflict arose when Freedom began engaging in verbal exchanges with Cloud in the third quarter. “He started to chirp with her during the third quarter,” he noted. “I would describe it as trash talking—nothing personal, more basketball-related—but it was enough to draw her in, engage her, and in my view, provoke her.”

The incident unfolded when Cloud was spotted yelling at Freedom, who was seated courtside. As he approached the floor, security stepped in and removed him amidst a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Previously, Kanter Freedom had garnered attention for declaring himself a contender for the WNBA after league officials mentioned they would discuss the definition of a woman. In a provocative move, he was seen wearing a shirt with the definition of “woman” printed on it.

In an interview, Freedom denied trying to provoke Cloud. “Sophie Cunningham made a three-pointer, and I raised my hands to celebrate,” he explained. “Then a few possessions later, Natasha yelled, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’”

He continued, “I responded, ‘I’m not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to support women and help her.’ Then she started approaching me, and I stood up, reiterating that I’m just here to support women.”

“I was cheering for my friend Sophie, and then Natasha came back with that comment. Honestly, I was surprised. I think she’s great and a good friend. But I can’t help but feel this relates back to my shirt,” he added.