Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud was held back by security after confronting ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom during the Indiana Fever's game against the Sky on Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the second half at the Wintrust Arena.
Cloud reportedly stormed over to Freedom, who was seated courtside, and engaged in a heated verbal exchange. Security intervened to separate the two, with Freedom later being escorted out of the arena by staff. Freedom, who stands 6-foot-10 and played over a decade in the NBA, recently stated his intention to play in the WNBA.
Following his ejection, Freedom took to social media, writing, "I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!"
Earlier in the evening, Freedom was met with protests from some fans as he arrived at the arena. He wore a t-shirt that read, "Woman. Noun. Adult human female.," with "woman" and "female" highlighted in red. Some fans directed expletives at him and told him to leave. However, other attendees offered cheers and high-fives to Freedom.
The confrontation and Freedom's presence at the game come amid ongoing discussions and protests related to women's sports. The notes mention recent controversy sparked by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who stated a desire to "protect young girls" from "biological men." Freedom had stopped by to greet fans at a "save women's sports party" before entering the arena.
Inside the arena, Freedom was seen courtside as the Fever, including players Caitlin Clark and Cunningham, faced the Sky. This game was a rematch following a previous incident where Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a flagrant foul that left Cunningham bloodied. Following that game, Carrington posted on social media, "WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever," adding to the WNBA's recent controversies.
