Enes Kanter Freedom Sues Chicago Sky Over Ejection From Arena
Enes Kanter Freedom, the Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist, has initiated legal proceedings against the Chicago Sky following his removal from Wintrust Arena. This incident occurred after a confrontation with guard Natasha Cloud during a game against the Indiana Fever. Freedom filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court, alleging he was peacefully exercising his First Amendment rights by sitting near the baseline and wearing a T-shirt with the message, “WOMAN noun, adult human female.” The Chicago Sky banned Freedom indefinitely from the arena, prompting his pursuit of legal action.
The lawsuit targets Chicago Women’s Basketball Operations, LLC, the operator of the Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which funded and built the arena, and the City of Chicago. It accuses these entities of wrongfully ejecting Freedom based on his expression of viewpoint and gender identity. The lawsuit indicates Freedom’s ban from the arena has compounded his injuries.
Freedom advocates strongly for the protection of women-only sports’ integrity, expressing these views publicly.
The suit claims Freedom deserves to participate in WNBA games due to self-identification rules. His stance has led to backlash and targeted attacks according to the legal documents.
The lawsuit details August 23, when Freedom’s manager informed Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca about Freedom’s attendance at the game. Pagliocca acknowledged the message, but Sky owner Michael Alter allegedly notified arena security of Freedom’s presence. During the event, Freedom was reportedly harassed by fans with abusive language. The lawsuit argues that these actions violated the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct but did not result in warnings or ejections.
In the third quarter, Freedom celebrated a three-pointer by Sophie Cunningham, known for her views on biological men participating in women’s sports. Shortly after, Cloud made a basket and directed a profanity-laced verbal tirade at Freedom, charging towards his courtside position. The lawsuit suggests Cloud’s attack was motivated by Freedom’s shirt message and his public stance on preserving women’s sports.
Freedom reacted with confusion as Cloud continued her verbal attack without disciplinary consequences from the WNBA. Alter mischaracterized the exchange, suggesting Freedom instigated the altercation, likening it to shooting a gun at someone.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that Freedom’s First Amendment rights were violated and demands compensation for damages. Freedom’s legal action responds to ongoing damages from the unconstitutional ban.
Freedom stated his T-shirt defined ‘woman’ in biological terms, contrasting WNBA’s inability to do so. He emphasized his commitment to free speech and advocacy for women, refusing to be silenced or intimidated.
Neither the Sky nor the MPEA immediately commented on Kanter’s lawsuit, while the City of Chicago chose not to discuss pending litigation.