Chicago Sky principal owner Michael Alter explained the team's decision to eject and ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena, comparing the situation to a scenario where an immediate response is necessary.
Alter stated that Freedom was deemed a "threat" after he "took a step towards the court." He elaborated on the lack of warning, drawing an analogy: "when you shoot a gun at someone, you don't get a warning, 'Don't do that again.' It, it's, you know, your action doesn't deserve a warning."
League, arena, and police security were present and acted swiftly, according to Alter. He acknowledged that he does not know if Freedom actually stepped onto the court, a point Freedom has disputed. The WNBA Fan Code mandates immediate ejection for fans who attempt to enter the court.
Freedom has claimed the confrontation began after he cheered for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, alleging that Sky player Natasha Cloud then made a derogatory remark. Alter confirmed Cloud was part of the "back and forth" exchange but stated the Sky determined she had not violated any rules and would not face discipline. He added that her actions did not alter Freedom's responsibility for his own conduct.
Alter said he had spoken with several spectators who were present and had no stake in the matter. According to these witnesses, Freedom initiated the verbal interaction with basketball-related trash talk, which did not cross a line requiring security intervention at that point. However, Alter could not provide the exact words attributed to Freedom, nor did he have audio to confirm the spectators' accounts. He also noted that at least one spectator, sitting behind Freedom, did not hear him say anything to Cloud before she approached him. Alter suggested this witness's seating position made it difficult to hear any interaction.
Despite these conflicting accounts, Alter characterized Freedom's claim that he did not initiate the exchange as "a lie."
Regarding advance notice of Freedom's attendance, Freedom's manager, Hank Fetic, texted Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca. Fetic wrote, "Enes and I will be at the sky game tonight. Hope you are well." Pagliocca responded, "Appreciate the text, hope you are well too."
Alter interpreted Fetic's message of a "heads up in advance" as an indication that Freedom planned to create a disturbance, stating, "That’s a clear, direct indication that be ready, trouble’s coming." Freedom's representatives stated the text was a courtesy notice, not a secret entry. Alter also cited that another person purchased Freedom's ticket, which he believed indicated an attempt to conceal attendance.
Alter expressed regret that the Sky players were not informed of Freedom's attendance beforehand, acknowledging that earlier notification might have allowed for better preparation. However, he maintained that it likely would not have changed the decision to allow Freedom into the arena, stating, "We didn’t keep him from coming."