Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom claims he is being banned from watching Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from his courtside seats and shared a video featuring a phone call with NBA security.
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.
In the video, Kanter is seen speaking to an NBA security officer just hours after he revealed on Fox News that he would be bringing his own security detail and had contacted the FBI after he received threats on social media.
On the call, the security officer explained to Kanter, ‘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.
Kanter posted the video to his X account with the caption: ‘ATTENTION! Just talked to director of security of the @NBA and they are now banning us from our purchased seats. Shame on @WNBA I guess they have to escort me out of the building. Stay tuned.’
It is not clear if Kanter is planning to attend the game despite the message from the league.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Atlanta Dream and the WNBA for comment on this matter.
In a statement produced by State Farm Arena – the site for tonight’s Game 3 – the arena 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.’
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.
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’.
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