Chicago Sky Owner Discusses Enes Kanter Freedom's Ejection and Ban

<p>Chicago Sky principal owner Michael Alter addressed the team's decision to eject and ban Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena in an interview on Wednesday. When asked why Freedom was not given a warning, Alter compared the situation to shooting a gun, stating that one would not receive a warning for such an action before being punished.</p><p>Alter announced on Tuesday that Kanter was banned after his ejection from a game against the Indiana Fever, as the team determined that he was "a threat." Alter explained that the determination was made when Freedom "took a step towards the court."</p><p>"That's when he became a potential threat," Alter stated. "We had league security, arena security, Indiana Fever security, Chicago Sky security, and the Chicago Police Department all present. They acted immediately, and it was the quickest decision I've ever seen in someone being ejected from a game."</p><p>Freedom has argued that he should have received a warning before his ejection in a letter to the WNBA. The WNBA fan code does not stipulate that fans are entitled to a warning before being ejected. Alter reiterated that Freedom was not given a warning because certain threats do not warrant one.</p><p>"To use an extreme example, when you shoot a gun at someone, you don't get a warning, 'Don't do that again.' Your action doesn't deserve a warning," Alter said. He acknowledged uncertainty about whether Freedom actually stepped on the court, as Freedom claimed he did not.</p><p>The WNBA Fan Code states that fans who attempt to enter the court will be immediately ejected. Footage shows Freedom stepping toward the court before being stopped by security. Alter noted, "The security were there to stop him... It took a second for Chicago's guys to get there, but they got there pretty fast."</p><p>Freedom alleged that the confrontation began after he cheered for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, claiming that Cloud, a player for the Sky, responded with a derogatory comment. Alter confirmed that there was back-and-forth between Freedom and Cloud but stated that the Sky had not determined if Cloud violated any rules or planned to discipline her.</p><p>Alter mentioned that he had not spoken to either participant about the allegations but had talked to several independent spectators who claimed Freedom initiated the verbal exchange. He stated that security did not intervene initially because the comments had not crossed a line.</p><p>Alter characterized Freedom's claim of not initiating the exchange as a lie, saying, "We now know that is a lie." He also declined to discuss whether Cloud's actions would receive a separate review, stating that her conduct did not affect Freedom's responsibility for his actions.</p><p>The WNBA rulebook allows officials to assess a technical foul without warning for conduct deemed detrimental to the game, including profanity and taunting. Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud, describing her as someone who protects her teammates.</p><p>Alter addressed the advance notice the Sky received regarding Freedom's attendance at the game. Freedom's manager sent a text to the Sky's general manager, indicating that Freedom would be attending. Alter pointed out discrepancies in Freedom's characterization of the response he received.</p><p>Alter noted that the Sky did not prevent Freedom from entering the arena or remove him due to his shirt, instructing staff to ignore him and not "take the bait." However, players were not informed of Freedom's presence, which Alter later expressed regret over.</p><p>Alter concluded that while they were aware of Freedom's intentions, they did not prevent him from attending the game. The text exchange established that Freedom's manager provided advance notice, but the intent behind the message remains a point of contention.</p>