Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever on Sunday after a courtside confrontation with Sky star Natasha Cloud. The incident drew criticism from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh.
Kanter Freedom, who had recently claimed he declared for the WNBA Draft, was sitting courtside when the altercation occurred. Security intervened to hold back Cloud as she confronted Freedom. He was subsequently removed from Wintrust Arena.
Following the ejection, Kanter Freedom posted on social media, stating he was "kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN!"
Dave Portnoy criticized Freedom's actions, writing on X, "I don't think boys should be allowed to play in girls sports. I also think Enes Kanter is an absolute clown for making this issue about him." Portnoy added that the focus should instead be on player performances, citing Caitlin Clark's double-double with 37 points and 10 assists.
Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh also expressed frustration, emphasizing that the league's focus should be on the players and the game itself. "There are so many good things about this league and so many good things about the play of these players that if you come to a game, you should probably come to enjoy the basketball," Marsh said. He defended Cloud's reaction, stating, "We all embrace her as someone who protects our team and protects people that need to be protected."
Kanter Freedom wore a t-shirt during the game that contained a definition of the word "woman" as "Adult human female," with the words "woman" and "female" highlighted in red. The WNBA has been a site of ongoing discussion regarding transgender athletes' participation.
Freedom appeared to welcome the confrontation from Cloud during the game. After being escorted out, he maintained his stance on supporting women.