Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from Game 3 of the WNBA Finals after officials relocated him from his courtside seats at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena over concerns about his safety and that of other spectators.
Before arriving, Kanter said he received a phone call informing him that State Farm Arena and the WNBA had arranged for him to watch the game from a private suite. The offer came after he told Fox News that he had contacted the FBI over threats made against him on social media.
Kanter declined the arrangement by phone, insisting that he intended to use the courtside seats he had purchased. When he arrived and was again told that he would only be permitted to sit in the suite, he refused and was escorted from the property by police.
Before the game, Kanter uploaded a video to X showing a security officer explaining the decision by 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 replied that he did not want to sit in a suite and instead wanted to use ‘the seat that I bought and purchased.’ The official told him that the ‘only thing available for you tonight is the suites.’ Kanter then responded, ‘I guess they have to drag me,’ before ending the call.
Later that evening, Kanter shared another video as he tried to enter the arena. Security personnel told him he would have to go through the suite area, where he would be escorted to a more secure location.
After Kanter demanded to be taken to his courtside seats, officials told him he could not remain on State Farm Arena property. City of Atlanta police then escorted him out of the building.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter says he was stopped from sitting in his courtside seats for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals after appearing to reject the league’s offer of a luxury suite
Earlier in the day, Kanter said he had contacted the FBI after receiving death threats
Kanter arrived at the arena demanding access to his courtside seats and refusing the suite arrangement, prompting Atlanta police to escort him from 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 contacted the Atlanta Dream and the WNBA for comment.
In a statement released 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 seeking to enter the WNBA Draft, has generated controversy through his criticism of what he describes as a lack of clarity in the league’s policy on transgender athletes.
Earlier this season, Kanter was ejected from a Chicago Sky game and later barred from the team’s arena after an encounter with Sky players turned physical when he stepped onto the court.
Kanter had been involved in a verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud before walking onto the court. Security removed him, and several days later one of the team’s owners said the former New York Knicks center would not be permitted to return to Wintrust Arena.
Arena officials said moving Kanter was intended ‘to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests,’ while also promising additional protection
The incident occurred 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.
