Enes Kanter Freedom Sues Chicago Sky Over Ejection from Wintrust Arena

Enes Kanter Freedom has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Sky following his ejection from Wintrust Arena during a match against the Indiana Fever. He was involved in an altercation with guard Natasha Cloud. Freedom submitted his complaint to the U.S. District Court, asserting that he was peacefully practicing his First Amendment rights while wearing a T-shirt that read, ‘WOMAN noun, adult human female.’

He faces an indefinite ban from Wintrust Arena initiated by the Chicago Sky. Freedom indicated legal action could follow due to this decision. The lawsuit filed names Chicago Women’s Basketball Operations, LLC, the organization behind the Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) responsible for Wintrust Arena’s construction, and the City of Chicago as defendants. He claims they conspired against him based on his expression of viewpoint and gender identity, leading to his wrongful ejection from the WNBA game. The document states that banning him exacerbated his injuries.

Freedom advocates for maintaining the integrity of women-only sports and has made his views known through public appearances. The lawsuit echoes his claim that he identifies as eligible to participate in the WNBA, based on the organization’s rules. Despite his stance, Freedom has faced backlash and believes he is targeted with hateful attacks and discrimination.

The lawsuit details Freedom’s perspective on the events of August 23. His manager communicated with Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca before the game, informing him about Freedom’s attendance. Pagliocca reportedly acknowledged the message, but Sky owner Michael Alter purportedly warned security at Wintrust Arena.

Freedom stated he was harassed by Sky fans using profane language but noted that these individuals were neither warned nor ejected, though they violated the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct by using racist and abusive terms.

During the game’s third quarter, Freedom celebrated a three-pointer made by Sophie Cunningham. This celebration aligned with his stance against biological men in women’s sports. After Cloud scored, she allegedly directed profanities at Freedom from the court, which he attributes to the message on his T-shirt. The lawsuit underscores that Freedom raised his arms, confused by Cloud’s outburst, which breached WNBA rules but led to no action against her.

Alter reportedly described their interaction, suggesting Freedom was instigating Cloud. He compared Freedom’s actions to discharging a weapon, stating that some actions don’t merit a warning due to the immediate threat they pose.

Freedom insists the damages continue due to the unconstitutional ban preventing his return to Wintrust Arena. He seeks a judicial declaration of defendants violating his First Amendment rights, seeking nominal and compensatory damages for resulting losses.

‘My T-shirt did what the whole [WNBA] apparently couldn’t: define a woman,’

Freedom posted online. No threats. No violence. Just biology. And somehow, that required a security escort. You don’t have to agree with my speech but you don’t get to silence me for it. I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I will continue to stand for women and defend free speech.

The Chicago Sky and MPEA were unavailable for comments regarding the lawsuit. The City of Chicago also did not comment on ongoing litigation.

Scott Thompson from Fox News Digital reported on this development.