Natasha Cloud calls Enes Kanter Freedom ‘irrelevant,’ urges WNBA to ban him league-wide

Key Points:

• Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud refused to mention Enes Kanter Freedom by name, calling him "an irrelevant person," after their verbal altercation during a game on August 23, and instead focused on issues affecting women and children such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and food insecurity.
• Kanter Freedom, known for opposing transgender athletes in women's sports, was indefinitely banned from Sky home games after he became a "potential threat" by approaching Cloud and the court, with the Sky owner open to reconsidering the ban if Kanter demonstrates appropriate behavior.
• The WNBA has not imposed a league-wide ban on Kanter Freedom, but Cloud urged the league to follow the Sky's lead in protecting players, emphasizing the importance of safety and respect for all women, including Black and transgender women.
• The controversy around transgender inclusion in the WNBA follows recent protests and comments by players opposing trans women competing in the league, amid a season marked by various distractions including objects thrown onto courts during games.
• Cloud criticized men for contributing to the ongoing distractions and lack of respect toward women in the league, highlighting the need for protection and investment in all women, including marginalized groups.