Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was thrown out of the WNBA game between Indiana and Chicago on Sunday night following a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter.
Kanter was seated along the baseline wearing a black shirt with the inscription “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” The incident occurred after Cloud scored a basket and engaged in a chest bump with a teammate, then proceeded towards Kanter, yelling and pointing at him. Security and Sky players intervened to separate them.
Chicago forward Azura Stevens commented on the incident, emphasizing the focus should remain on the game despite the disruption caused by the fan incident.
Cloud expressed concerns about being a distraction to the team, but coach Tyler Marsh reassured her of the team’s support and protection. Kanter engaged in a discussion with security before leaving the arena.
Following the game, Cloud met with team and league security but did not address the media directly. Instead, she shared a message on social media directed at transgender individuals, expressing support and acceptance.
The WNBA has been at the center of debates regarding transgender women participating in the league. Layshia Clarendon, the WNBA’s first openly transgender player, retired in 2024. While the league’s rules specify it is for women, there is no specific mention of gender identity or birth sex.
Former NBA players like Kanter and Royce White have jokingly announced their eligibility for the WNBA draft as a statement. Kanter even showed support for Sophie Cunningham outside the arena before the game.
Coach Marsh highlighted the importance of respecting the game and the players, emphasizing the need to focus on enjoying basketball when attending games.
The incident involving Kanter and Cloud sheds light on the ongoing discussions and tensions surrounding gender identity in sports, particularly in the WNBA.