The debate over transgender participation in women’s basketball took another turn on Sunday when former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game.
Kanter Freedom was involved in a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud during the third quarter.
The Turkish-American former NBA player was sitting near the baseline while wearing a black shirt with a message about sex and gender.
After Cloud scored with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter, she turned toward Kanter Freedom and approached him while pointing and shouting.
Kanter Freedom responded by holding his arms out and stepping onto the court. Security officials and several Sky players quickly moved between the two.
The former NBA veteran stopped near the basket and spoke with security before leaving the court area.
As he walked toward the lobby, Kanter Freedom held out his shirt and appeared to address people in the crowd. He later spoke with police officers before leaving Wintrust Arena.
Kanter Freedom had also attended a small rally outside the arena before the game in support of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
Chicago Sky coach comments on the incident
Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh said fans should allow players to focus on basketball.
“If you come to a game you should probably come to enjoy the basketball,” Marsh said after the game.
He added that WNBA players had earned the right to compete without being distracted by off-court controversies.
Cloud did not speak to reporters after the game. She instead met with team and league security officials.
Sky forward Azura Stevens thanked security for handling what she described as a fan incident.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark also played down the confrontation. She said her team remained focused on its huddle and the plays they needed to run.
The incident added to a growing series of debates surrounding gender and participation in women’s sports.
Clark stars for Fever
The confrontation came during an impressive performance from Caitlin Clark.
Clark scored 37 points and added 10 assists as the Fever defeated the Sky 113-90.
She also made a career-high eight three-pointers as Indiana set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers.
Kelsey Mitchell added 30 points for the Fever.
Indiana played without starting center Aliyah Boston, who missed the game with a right leg injury.
The Fever took control with a 13-2 run in the third quarter. The surge gave Indiana a 71-60 advantage, and the team maintained its lead through the final quarter.
Clark’s performance ultimately became the main sporting story from the game, despite the attention surrounding the confrontation involving Kanter Freedom.
The former NBA player’s ejection has nevertheless added another chapter to the ongoing public debate around gender and women’s professional sports.
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