Enes Kanter Freedom has revealed a private text exchange with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham following his ejection from a WNBA game in August. Freedom discussed the exchange during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show,” stating that Cunningham asked him, "What happened?"
According to Freedom, he responded by saying, "I just got up and opened my arms in the air and said, ‘I’m here to protect my friends.’" He did not release screenshots of the conversation or specify who initiated the texts.
Freedom described his support for Cunningham as stemming from shared views on women's sports, calling her an "idol" and an "American hero" for speaking out against the participation of transgender women in women's sports. Cunningham has previously stated her desire to "protect young girls" from competing against "biological men" but has denied holding animosity towards transgender individuals. She has not publicly joined broader campaigns against WNBA eligibility policies.
In contrast, Freedom has actively campaigned for changes to WNBA eligibility rules, declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft, and challenged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to a public discussion. Cunningham has not been publicly associated with these efforts.
Freedom's presence at the Aug. 23 game between the Fever and the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena was in support of Cunningham. He was ejected after Chicago guard Natasha Cloud directed comments toward him. Security escorted Freedom from the arena after he stood and moved toward the court with his arms extended.
Following the incident, Freedom filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Sky and other parties, alleging that his ejection and subsequent ban from the arena constituted punishment for his speech. Sky owner Michael Alter has called the lawsuit "meritless and frivolous," asserting that Freedom was removed due to his conduct, not the message on his shirt.
Freedom has characterized Cunningham as a friend, and her text inquiring about the incident is the only confirmed element of their private communication that has been made public. The extent of their alleged alignment on women's sports policies remains primarily Freedom's assertion.