10/21/2026 08:58:00
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10/21 20:57 CDT Dream arrange for private suite for Enes Kanter Freedom but he
posts video saying he was ejected
Dream arrange for private suite for Enes Kanter Freedom but he posts video
saying he was ejected
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- The Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena arranged for former NBA
player Enes Kanter Freedom to have a private suite for his protection at
Wednesday night's Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.
But for the second time this season, Freedom didn't make it through the game.
He posted a video at halftime saying he had been thrown out of the arena.
"I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for the second time in a row for
supporting WOMEN!" Freedom said on his post. Let that sink in AMERICA!"
It was not immediately known why Freedom was ejected, though he appeared to be
telling security he wanted to sit in the seats he paid for, not the suite that
was later arranged.
"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," State Farm Arena said in a statement before the game. "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."
Freedom announced on social media on Monday he planned to attend the game. It
was his first WNBA game since late August, when he went to see Chicago host
Indiana. He was ejected from the game and banned from the arena for getting
into a heated interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
Freedom said he was motivated to attend the game after learning that Golden
State star Gabby Williams said she would support a trans athlete playing in the
league.
"As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams
of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, ?I have no problem with trans
athletes playing on my team or against my team,'" Freedom said in his post.
"Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and
officially declare for the WNBA draft. I can't wait to watch my favorite
player, the woman who inspired me to become who I am today!"
Freedom and Royce White, another former NBA player, have declared for the WNBA
draft, saying they identify as women. But a person familiar with the decision
told The Associated Press in August they are not eligible. WNBA Commissioner
Cathy Engelbert has since made that position public.
On Wednesday, Freedom posted a photo of himself in Atlanta and also posted a
copy of a letter from Engelbert in which she said replied to a question from
Indiana Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman about the eligibility of transgender athletes
to play in the league.
"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,"
Engelbert said, referring to Freedom and White.
Kanter replied: "Apparently the WNBA still can define what a WOMAN is, but
they're absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!"
___
See AP's full WNBA coverage here
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