Chicago Sky Owner Addresses Enes Kanter Freedom’s Ejection and Ban

Chicago Sky principal owner Michael Alter spoke exclusively about the decision to eject and ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena. Freedom was expelled from a game against the Fever, labeled as a threat when he moved toward the court.

Alter’s Explanation

Alter compared the incident to a situation where a warning isn’t provided for shooting a gun. He stated that security and police acted immediately to remove Freedom, indicating the seriousness of the perceived threat.

Freedom’s Perspective

Enes Kanter Freedom argued he should have received a warning, pointing to the WNBA fan code, which does not guarantee warnings prior to ejections. Alter mentioned no warnings are given for certain threats.

Incident Details

The altercation reportedly began after Freedom cheered for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Natasha Cloud, a Chicago Sky player, engaged with Freedom verbally. Security was involved when Freedom approached the court, stopping short due to a guard’s intervention.

Allegations and Reactions

Alter stated that Freedom initiated verbal contact with Cloud, describing it as basketball-related trash talk. Witnesses mentioned Freedom’s gestures toward Cloud during their exchange.

A woman seated nearby did not overhear Freedom’s alleged remarks, adding complexity to the accounts. Alter labeled Freedom’s denial of initiating the exchange as untruthful, despite lacking audio evidence.

Team’s Stance on Cloud

Alter emphasized that Cloud’s actions did not influence the decision regarding Freedom. Any investigation into Cloud’s part in the confrontation remains internal.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh supported Cloud, praising her defensive nature towards her team and community.

Advance Notice of Freedom’s Attendance

Freedom’s manager notified the Sky about their attendance hours before the game. Alter perceived the notice as forewarning potential disruption, though the text lacked specific mention of trouble.

Pagliocca’s reply did not prohibit Freedom’s presence nor place conditions on his attendance. The communication was acknowledged but not detailed beyond well wishes.

Security and Preparedness

Once notified, the Sky informed security but not the players of Freedom’s attendance. Alter noted regret for not communicating with players beforehand.

Learning earlier might have allowed better preparedness yet likely wouldn’t have changed the decision to admit Freedom to the arena.