On the latest episode of Megan Rapinoe’s podcast, Why Are You Like This?, the former US Women’s National Team star discussed an incident involving Enes Kanter Freedom at a recent WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever.

Freedom was ejected from the game in the third quarter following an exchange with Chicago’s Natasha Cloud. After Cloud scored a basket, she directed her emotions towards Freedom, who was sitting close to the court at Wintrust Arena. This prompted Freedom to approach her, leading security and police to intervene, deeming Freedom a threat and escorting him from the arena.

Freedom later shared with OutKick that Cloud allegedly made a comment about Fever star Sophie Cunningham, suggesting a romantic involvement which Freedom denied. He clarified his stance, stating he attended the game to support women’s sports.

Rapinoe reacted to Freedom’s comments with sarcasm, questioning the authenticity of his motives. She criticized individuals like Freedom who oppose biological men participating in women’s sports, labeling them as “bad-faith actors.” Rapinoe highlighted that such opposition is now manifesting in person through rallies and appearances at events, rather than being confined to online discourse.

Rapinoe expressed a desire for female athletes to be respected without the interference of discrimination. She emphasized the importance of women athletes speaking out collectively against the rise of hate and discrimination parallel to the growing popularity of women’s sports.

She concluded her comments with a clear message: “We do not need men in the WNBA or women’s sports in general to make it successful.” This sentiment echoed concerns about ensuring biological men do not participate in women’s sports amid their rising popularity.

Freedom, maintaining his stance, asserted he is pro-women and supports freedom of speech. He attended the game simply wearing a shirt, reiterating his advocacy for women without being anti-trans or anti-LGBTQ.