Enes Kanter continues to be a factor in WNBA discourse, with the Atlanta Dream releasing a statement about the former NBA star ahead of Game 3.
Enes Kanter, or Enes Kanter Freedom as he is now called, has unexpectedly become a notorious figure within the WNBA this season. The former NBA player has made himself the face of the debate about trans athletes, declaring himself for the draft to challenge the league’s eligibility rules.
Kanter has been a huge distraction at times this season, especially when he got into a courtside altercation with Natasha Cloud. So when he announced he would be at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, a few people were concerned. The Dream addressed the situation before the game in a statement.
Read Atlanta Dream’s full statement about Enes Kanter after he raised concerns about his safety
The debate about transgender athletes is extremely polarising, to say the least. It is something which people feel deeply about on both sides of the issue. And as Jennifer Sey discovered at the Chase Center, taking a stance like she and Kanter have can lead to some serious confrontation.
It isn’t surprising, then, that he reportedly had concerns over his safety. Kanter was expected to be seated courtside for the game, but Atlanta decided to go about it differently.
“Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight. The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority,” the statement reads.
Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests.
“The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request.”
It will be interesting to hear if the former NBA star says what prompted this request for security after the game. In any case, not having Kanter right by the court does reduce the chances of any potential tense moments during the game. The WNBA has to ensure that the focus remains on basketball.
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