Enes Kanter Freedom has remained in the spotlight since making the unexpected announcement that he plans to enter the upcoming WNBA Draft, a move that followed Sophie Cunningham’s comments sparking widespread debate over transgender participation and WNBA eligibility rules.
He has now shared details of what he claims was a private text exchange with Cunningham after he was ejected from the Fever’s August 23 game against the Chicago Sky.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Fox News, Freedom said Cunningham contacted him via text after he was removed from the arena during the game. Her message simply read: “What happened, according to Freedom. “So, yes, I did text her after the game,” Freedom said. He claimed he responded, “I just got up and opened my arms in the air and said, ‘I’m here to protect my friends.’”
“I think she’s inspiring not only the people in the WNBA, but the girls from all over the world,” Freedom said. “I think she’s an idol now, and she’s an American hero,” the former NBA player added. However, the Sky owner has pushed back against the legal action, calling the lawsuit “meritless” and saying the team look forward to the “truth prevailing in court.”
Enes Kanter Freedom attended the Chicago Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever last month, where an on-court confrontation involving Sky player Natasha Cloud eventually led to his ejection from the arena. Kanter later filed a lawsuit in Illinois over what he claims was mistreatment during the WNBA game last month.
