EXCLUSIVE: Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom accused Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud of making an inappropriate comment towards him and cursing repeatedly before security intervened at a game against the Indiana Fever.
Freedom, who was positioned near the baseline at Wintrust Arena, explained that the incident escalated after he celebrated a three-point shot by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
“Cunningham made a three-pointer, and I raised my arms in celebration,” he recounted. “Then, just a few plays later, Natasha came over, yelling, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’
Freedom clarified, ‘I’m not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to support women.’ This exchange led to Cloud approaching him, shouting as she closed the distance. Eventually, he stood up, asserting, ‘I’m just here to protect women, that’s it.’”
Footage showed Cloud yelling and gesturing at Freedom late in the third quarter, prompting security and Sky players to intervene. Freedom said Cloud’s use of profanity shocked him, especially given the presence of young fans.
“Her yelling included some pretty heavy language — it was surprising to see that in front of so many kids,” he remarked. “Regardless of her popularity in Chicago, I don’t think that’s how a WNBA player should behave.”
The conflict arose with just over a minute left in the quarter, after Cloud scored and celebrated. Freedom, wearing a shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” felt this contributed to Cloud’s reaction.
“I was cheering for my friend Sophie, and didn’t expect that comment from Natasha. It honestly took me aback,” he noted. “But I suspect my shirt really triggered her.”
cloud later expressed support for the trans community through a post on social media, saying all members belong to her community and deserve protection.
After the game, Sky head coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud, stating, “We embrace her as someone who protects our team and those who need support.”
Freedom claimed he was removed by security without a clear explanation, stating, “I asked, ‘Why do I have to leave?’ They just said, ‘You need to go.’ It felt very much like they were forcing me out.” He insisted the altercation with Cloud did not pertain to gender identity issues or his aspirations related to the WNBA.
“That wasn’t even the context,” he stated firmly. After the incident, as he was being escorted from the arena, Freedom said he requested that a staff member not touch him, emphasizing he hadn’t done anything wrong.
Security again refrained from explaining why he was expelled, leading Freedom to comply without escalating the situation; he acknowledged their challenging role.
Freedom indicated he had informed the Sky of his attendance beforehand, with his manager communicating his plans to the team’s general manager, who simply responded, “Enjoy the game.”
Following the game, the Fever triumphed over the Sky, 113-90, with standout performances from Clark and Mitchell. Freedom had demonstrated his support for Cunningham during a rally earlier in the day, with Cunningham facing backlash for her stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Earlier this month, Freedom announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, aiming to challenge the league’s eligibility standards. Although the WNBA’s rules specify that only players identified as women may compete, they do not clearly define the term or provide concrete guidelines regarding transgender athletes.
After Freedom and fellow former NBA player Royce White declared their intent to join the draft, the WNBA confirmed that discussions around transgender athletes were ongoing and denounced any attempts to use these issues negatively.
Freedom pushed back against being labeled as anti-transgender, instead insisting that he respects everyone’s decisions and is simply focused on advocating for women’s rights.
Feeling more motivated than ever, he commented, “If anything, I’m looking forward to potentially facing Natasha in the future. It could be fun.”
Freedom also expressed a desire for a conversation with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and noted that this was his first in-person WNBA game, despite being a fan for years.
In reference to the day’s events, Freedom reflected on an emotional encounter after the game with a young girl and her mother, who thanked him for his stance regarding women, emphasizing that this issue transcends political lines.
He went on to detail conversations with current and former players interested in the implications of his actions, demonstrating a keen awareness of the evolving landscape for women’s sports.
As he prepares for the potential of entering the league, Freedom remains adamant about his intentions, characterized not by politics, but by a commitment to women’s issues.
