CHICAGO, United States: Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter called the Enes Kanter Freedom lawsuit “meritless and frivolous,” saying security removed the former NBA player for his conduct at Wintrust Arena, not his shirt.
Alter issued the response on Friday, September 4, one day after Freedom sued the Chicago Sky and other defendants over his August 23 ejection and subsequent arena ban.
Freedom alleges officials violated his First Amendment rights. Alter said Freedom had worn the shirt at the centre of the dispute for several hours without intervention from security.
According to Alter, security acted only after Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached Freedom during the third quarter. Then, Freedom rose from his courtside seat, gestured and stepped toward the court.
However, Alter said those actions violated the fan code of conduct. He also maintained that security removed Freedom for his behaviour, not his speech.
Freedom sued the Chicago Sky, Wintrust Arena owner Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and the City of Chicago.
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He is seeking a declaration that officials violated his First Amendment rights, an end to his indefinite arena ban, damages and legal fees.
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The lawsuit follows Freedom’s broader campaign over transgender participation in women’s sports. He previously attempted to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, although the league said he was ineligible.
The WNBA has said no transgender woman has played in the league and that no transgender athletes are currently seeking inclusion.
