Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, found himself ejected from a Chicago Sky game on Sunday after a heated argument with Natasha Cloud. The game, against the Indiana Fever, took place courtside. Following this incident, the Chicago Sky decided to ban Kanter Freedom from attending future games indefinitely at their venue.

The decision was confirmed by Sky owner Michael Alter, who expressed concerns over Kanter Freedom’s ability to comply with venue rules. Alter stated that Kanter Freedom won’t be readmitted unless he can prove he no longer poses a potential threat. Witnesses seated near Kanter Freedom corroborated his role in initiating the confrontation, which led to Cloud’s engagement.

I would characterize it as trash talking, nothing personal, basketball-related, but enough to get her attention and to engage her, and, in my opinion, try to provoke her,

Alter added that although Kanter Freedom did not enter the court, his actions became threatening when he stood and approached Cloud. Kanter Freedom, previously the No. 3 pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA Draft, also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers. His playing career has since ended.

Recently, Kanter Freedom shared a viral video where he announced his intent to join the 2027 WNBA Draft unless there is a change in the league’s transgender policy. At the Sky game, he wore a shirt with the slogan, “WOMAN noun: adult human female,” which drew attention during his courtside interaction with Cloud.

Natasha Cloud, who has been with the WNBA since 2015, secured a championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and received accolades such as the All-Defensive First Team selection and assists leader in 2022. Though she did not comment post-game, she consulted with team and league security after the incident.

Despite the altercation, there is no indication the WNBA plans a league-wide ban on Kanter Freedom. The Chicago Sky’s decision reflects their stance on maintaining decorum in their venue.