Former NBA Player Enes Kanter Freedom Ejected From WNBA Game While Wearing 'Adult Human Female' Shirt

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a WNBA game after a courtside confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud while wearing a shirt associated with his opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports.

The incident happened Sunday night during the Indiana Fever's 113-90 win over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Kanter Freedom was sitting along the baseline in a black T-shirt that read, 'WOMAN noun. adult human female.'

Late in the third quarter, after Cloud scored with 1:22 remaining and Indiana called a timeout, she walked towards Kanter Freedom and began yelling and pointing in his direction. Kanter Freedom stood up, spread his arms and took one step onto the court before security intervened.

Cloud was pulled away by teammates as security personnel moved between the pair. She later spoke with team and league security but did not address reporters after the game.

Kanter Freedom Removed by Security

As security escorted him from the court area, Kanter Freedom gestured to the crowd and displayed his shirt. He also appeared to mock Cloud with a hand movement imitating someone talking.

He was later seen speaking with a group of police officers inside the arena before leaving. 'This is unacceptable,' he could be heard saying.

After leaving, Kanter Freedom posted on X, 'I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!'

Before the game, he had also shared a video of himself smiling during a confrontation with fans outside the venue.

Sky Coach Backs Cloud

Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh said after the game that players deserved to be respected in their workplace.

'There's so much good things about this league and so many good things about the play of these players,' Marsh said. 'And if you come to a game, you should probably come to enjoy the basketball.'

He added that, as a former basketball player, Kanter Freedom should understand that. Marsh also defended Cloud, saying she was someone who 'protects our team and protects people that need to be protected'.

Sky forward Azura Stevens briefly referred to the confrontation as a 'fan incident' and said security handled it.

Fever Players Stay Focused on Game

Caitlin Clark, who scored 37 points and added 10 assists in Indiana's win, said she did not see the confrontation because the Fever had already gathered in a huddle. Fever coach Stephanie White urged reporters not to amplify the incident.

'It's a social media thing,' White said. Kelsey Mitchell added 30 points for Indiana as the Fever pulled away from Chicago in the second half.

The loss, combined with Washington's win on Sunday night, eliminated the Sky from playoff contention.

Transgender Athlete Debate Looms Over Incident

Kanter Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, has recently become involved in the debate over transgender eligibility in women's basketball. The controversy intensified after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she opposed transgender women playing in the WNBA.

Kanter Freedom and former NBA player Royce White later declared themselves eligible for the WNBA Draft, saying they identified as women.

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement states that 'only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,' but its publicly available rules do not set out a specific eligibility policy for transgender athletes. No known transgender woman has played in the league.