Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Game 3 of the WNBA Finals after he was moved from his courtside seats in Atlanta over fears for his safety and the safety of other fans.
Prior to his arrival, Kanter was told in a phone call that State Farm Arena and the league arranged for him to sit in a suite following his revelation on Fox News that he contacted the FBI over threats he received on social media.
Determined to sit in his courtside seats, Kanter refused the offer over the phone before arriving at the arena. When he was told that he would only be allowed in the suite, Kanter refused again and police escorted him off the property.
Kanter posted a video to his X account prior to the game, where a security officer explained to him via telephone: ‘For tonight’s game, based on you expressing concern about your security, and for security and safety of the fans and players, the WNBA along with arena security has arranged a suite for you.’
Kanter responded that he did not want a suite and that he ‘would like to sit on the seat that I bought and purchased.’ The man on the phone responded that the ‘only thing available for you tonight is the suites.’ Kanter replied, ‘I guess they have to drag me’ before hanging up the call.
Later in the evening, Kanter posted another video of him attempting to enter the arena. Security told him that he would need to enter the suite area and he would be escorted to a safer area.
When Kanter demanded to be taken to his courtside seats, he was told he could not be on State Farm Arena property and he was escorted by City of Atlanta Police out of the building.
Former NBA star Enes Kanter says he’s being prevented from sitting in his courtside seats for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals and seemed to reject the league’s offer of a luxury suite
Earlier in the day, Kanter claimed he contacted the FBI after receiving death threats
Kanter arrived at the arena demanding to sit in his courtside seats and refusing the offer of the suite, leading to Atlanta police escorting him off the property
‘They kicked me out of the game for supporting women,’ Kanter said. ‘They’re not letting me in the arena by protecting women and supporting women. Shame on the NBA and shame on the WNBA.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the Atlanta Dream and the WNBA for comment on this matter.
In a statement before the game, State Farm Arena officials said: ‘Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight.
‘The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority. Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite.
‘This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request.’
Kanter, who is attempting to enter the WNBA Draft, has stirred controversy for his challenges over the league’s lack of clarity on a policy to ban transgender athletes.
Earlier this season, Kanter was ejected from a Chicago Sky game and banned from the team’s arena after his confrontation with Sky players became physical as he stepped onto the court.
Kanter got into a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud that ended with him stepping onto the court. Security led him away and days later, one of the team’s owners said that the former New York Knicks center would not be allowed back at Wintrust Arena.
Arena officials said Kanter was moved ‘to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests’ while pledging to beef up his security
It comes two months after Kanter Freedom was ejected from a Chicago Sky game
Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream host Game 3 after evening the WNBA Finals at 1-1
Just days ago, Kanter shared a letter the WNBA sent to Congressional Republicans stating that he and fellow ex-NBA player Royce O’Neal would not be allowed to participate in the WNBA Draft. The letter also addressed his ejection from the Sky game.
‘Fans in WNBA arenas are governed by the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct, which, among other things requires that they ‘enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior,’ the letter said.
‘Fans that do not adhere to this Code of Conduct are subject to, among other things, ejection from the premises. As in the case of on-court rules enforcement, the League and its teams seek to apply the Code of Conduct consistently.’
The letter later read: ‘With respect to your questions regarding eligibility, only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men.
‘The WNBA will continue its efforts to ensure the safety, fair treatment and well-being of our players and personnel, including working to address the significant amount of hate and vitriol directed at WNBA players online and on social media.’
Kanter’s challenges to the league come despite the fact that the WNBA has never had a transgender athlete play in its entire history.
The Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 after they won Game 2 to even the series at one game a piece.
