Chicago Sky Ban Enes Kanter Freedom From Games, Owner Calls His Claims Lies
Updated
Updated · Chicago Tribune · Aug 25
Chicago Sky Ban Enes Kanter Freedom From Games, Owner Calls His Claims Lies
1 articles · Updated · Chicago Tribune · Aug 25
Summary
Michael Alter said Enes Kanter Freedom is banned from Chicago Sky games at Wintrust Arena for the foreseeable future unless he can prove he will follow arena rules.
Sunday’s ejection followed a third-quarter clash with Sky guard Natasha Cloud, when Kanter Freedom stepped over photographers and onto the baseline during a dead ball, prompting security and officials to remove him.
Alter said Kanter Freedom came to provoke attention, disputed his Fox News account that the team welcomed him, and said the only reply from Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca was a brief “Appreciate the text.”
Less than 90 minutes before tipoff, the Sky learned he had a front-row baseline seat bought under another name, then added security already heightened for the Fever game and coordinated with league, arena and Chicago police.
Alter said the team will not bar fans for their beliefs but will enforce its code of conduct, framing the response as part of keeping players and trans fans safe at Sky home games.