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Enes Freedom Ejected From WNBA Finals Suite, Cites Rights

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kanter Freedom Ejected

Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta.
He refused the private suite and demanded his purchased seats.
State Farm Arena said it added security to the suite, which Freedom declined.
An Atlanta police officer told Freedom he could leave but not stay inside.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman women may play in WNBA and Freedom and White are men.

Summary

Freedom Files Lawsuit

Freedom contacted the FBI after receiving death threats about his planned attendance.
Governor Brian Kemp’s office linked Freedom’s team with law-enforcement resources.
Freedom filed a lawsuit claiming the Chicago Sky violated his First Amendment rights after his August ejection.
Sky owner Michael Alter said Freedom was removed for conduct, not speech, during the August incident.

History

Historical Context

The 1968 Mexico City Olympics saw Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise gloved fists during the medal ceremony, sparking controversy. The International Olympic Committee expelled the duo, the United States Olympic Committee fined them $2,000 each, and President Lyndon B. Johnson condemned the act. Today's ejection of Enes Kanter Freedom from a WNBA Finals game echoes that clash, as the league, Atlanta police, and Governor Brian Kemp invoke security while Freedom cites First Amendment rights. The precedent shows that protest-driven expulsions can trigger legal battles, prompting courts to balance public safety with constitutional speech protections for athletes and fans alike.

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Kanter Freedom Ejected

Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta.
He refused the private suite and demanded his purchased seats.
State Farm Arena said it added security to the suite, which Freedom declined.
An Atlanta police officer told Freedom he could leave but not stay inside.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman women may play in WNBA and Freedom and White are men.

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