Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom said Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud made a vulgar remark and repeatedly cursed before security removed him from Sunday night’s game against the Indiana Fever.
Careful what you wish for, @WNBA
Freedom of speech never looked this good. 💅🏽 Somehow controversial.🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/TZRa2M3mxc — Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 24, 2026
The confrontation unfolded near the baseline at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 23, 2026, as reported by Fox News.
Freedom said the exchange began after he celebrated a three-pointer by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
"Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate," Freedom said.
"Literally, a couple possessions later, Natasha came back and started screaming and yelling and said, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’"
Freedom said he responded that he was not trying to sleep with Cunningham and was there to protect women and support her.
He believed his black shirt, which read, "WOMAN noun. adult human female," contributed to Cloud’s reaction.
Video showed Cloud walking toward Freedom while yelling and pointing late in the third quarter.
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Freedom stood, extended his arms, and stepped onto the court as security personnel and Sky players moved between them.
The confrontation came with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter, after Cloud scored inside and celebrated with teammate Aicha Coulibaly.
Freedom said Cloud then used profanity despite children and teenagers being present at the game.
Cloud was not made available during the team’s postgame press conference, and OutKick contacted her representative for further comment.
After the game, Cloud posted a message on Threads supporting the trans community, while Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended her as someone who protects the team and people who need protection.
Freedom insisted the exchange was not connected to transgender issues or his plans to pursue a place in the WNBA.
Even so, security ordered him to leave, and Freedom said staff members did not explain the decision when he asked why he was being removed.
Footage showed arena staff touching Freedom and exchanging intense words with him during the escort.
Freedom said he asked an employee not to touch him, but he ultimately cooperated because his 11 years in the NBA had shown him how difficult security work could become.
Freedom said the Sky knew before the game that he planned to attend. According to him, his manager contacted Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca and explained that they wanted to watch the game peacefully without creating drama, and Pagliocca responded, "Enjoy the game."
The Fever defeated the Sky 113 to 90, with Clark scoring 37 points and Kelsey Mitchell adding 30.
Earlier that night, Freedom attended a rally outside the arena supporting Cunningham, who has faced protests and counterprotests since opposing transgender girls and women competing in female sports divisions.
Freedom announced earlier in the month that he intended to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft and challenge the league to clarify its eligibility standards.
The collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play in the WNBA, but it does not publicly define the term or establish specific eligibility requirements for transgender athletes.
The WNBA said its anti-hate task force had discussed transgender athletes and online attacks after Freedom and former NBA player Royce White announced draft plans.
Freedom rejected the characterization of his campaign as hostile toward transgender people or the LGBTQ community and offered to meet directly with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
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Freedom said the confrontation made him more determined to pursue the league and potentially face Cloud.
Although he had never spoken with her before the incident, he called Cloud an excellent player who improves both herself and the teammates around her.
A resurfaced clip of Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams saying she would welcome a trans player inspired Freedom to declare for the draft, he said.
Freedom, who said he is 34, believes he could play until 40 or 45 and identified the Fever as his preferred destination.
Freedom also claimed he was communicating with two former NBA players, three European players and three NBA G League players about similar plans.
He said the G League players cited a difference between earnings of $45,000 and a potential $1.4 million under the WNBA’s new salary structure.
Since announcing his plans, Freedom said he has received death threats, abusive messages and profanity.
He maintained that his campaign was not a right or left issue and said no current WNBA player, coach or league representative had contacted him, although he remained willing to discuss the matter with league leadership.
Under the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky should be fined or suspended after her actions against Enes Kanter Freedom during the Sky/Fever game on Sunday night. Let’s Go WNBA, these are your own rules that you created. If you let her go… https://t.co/qNzxp8I42P
— Tom Young (@brui4ns1) August 24, 2026
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