Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from the WNBA game between Indiana and Chicago on Sunday night after a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter. Kanter, seated along the baseline, wore a black shirt stating “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”
The incident occurred after Cloud scored inside and engaged in a chest bump with teammate Aicha Coulibaly before approaching Kanter, where she began yelling and pointing at him. Security and Sky players intervened to separate the two.
Following the game, Chicago’s Azura Stevens mentioned the incident as a fan issue that was promptly handled by security. Chicago coach Tyler Marsh reassured Cloud, stating she was not a distraction and was valued for her protective stance.
Kanter, on his way out, engaged with security and encouraged the crowd’s response. Cloud, after the game, met with team and league security but did not speak to the media. She later shared a supportive message on Threads directed at transgender individuals.
The WNBA has been a focal point in debates concerning transgender women participating in the league. Layshia Clarendon, the first openly transgender and non-binary WNBA player, retired in 2024. The league’s collective bargaining agreement doesn’t explicitly address gender identity or assigned birth sex.
Sophie Cunningham of the Fever expressed opposition to transgender individuals participating in women’s sports. Kanter, alongside Royce White, jokingly announced eligibility for the WNBA draft, aligning with a rally supporting Cunningham.
In response to the incident, Marsh emphasized the importance of enjoying basketball at games and respecting the players’ efforts. The situation brought attention to the ongoing cultural debates involving the WNBA.
(Source: CBC News)