Former NBA player ejected from WNBA game after wearing shirt questioning 'woman' definition

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game on Sunday after confronting players and wearing a provocative t-shirt. The incident occurred during the third quarter of a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky.

“

Just an incident with a fan, security removed him from the arena.

Freedom, seated courtside, was wearing a shirt that read, "'Woman' is a noun." As Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud scored, she appeared to notice Freedom, gestured towards him, and began shouting. Security intervened, escorting Freedom from the arena. He attempted to explain his position to security and gestured to his shirt as he was led away.

“

I didn't see it, we were talking about the next lineup, so I think you'd have to ask the Chicago team about that.

Freedom had previously declared his intention to apply for the WNBA draft. He stated that he had reviewed the league's rulebook, which specifies that only women are eligible to play. However, Freedom argued that since the rules do not define the term 'woman,' he identifies as one to meet the criteria. He claimed this was not an attempt to mock any community but rather a call for consistent application of existing rules.

“

I officially declare my candidacy for the WNBA draft. If all it takes is stating who you are, then I meet all the requirements needed to compete in the WNBA.

Other players offered brief comments on the incident. Chicago Sky forward Azura Stevens described it as "an incident with a fan" and confirmed security removed him. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark stated she did not see the confrontation directly, as her team was focused on strategy during the timeout. Cloud did not speak to the media after the game.

“

I am not trying to mock, make fun of, or show disrespect to any community or personal choices. I am just asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone.