Chicago, Ill. – In an exclusive interview, Chicago Sky principal owner Michael Alter explained why the team ejected and banned former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena during Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. Alter said the fan’s actions – stepping toward the court and engaging in a verbal exchange with Fever guard Natasha Cloud – constituted a “potential threat” that required an instant response.
Security response was swift and coordinated
According to Alter, arena security, Sky security, Fever security, the Chicago Police Department and league officials were all present and acted “the quickest decision I’ve ever seen” to remove Freedom from the venue. The WNBA Fan Code states that fans who attempt to enter the court are to be immediately ejected, and Alter emphasized that the rule does not require a warning.
Analogy to gunfire underscores seriousness
When asked why Freedom was not given a warning, Alter responded, “He wasn’t given a warning because certain threats don’t get warnings. To use an extreme example, when you shoot a gun at someone, you don’t get a warning, ‘Don’t do that again.’” The owner stressed that the fan’s conduct, not his intent, dictated the response.
Disputed accounts of the confrontation
Freedom has claimed he did not step onto the court and that he was not the initiator of the exchange. Alter said he could not verify the exact words spoken, noting that no audio was available. He cited several spectators who reported that Freedom began the interaction with basketball‑related trash talk, prompting Cloud to respond. One nearby fan wearing Fever apparel said she did not hear Freedom speak before Cloud approached him, a detail Alter used to question Freedom’s version of events.
No disciplinary action against Cloud
When pressed about whether the Sky would discipline Cloud for approaching Freedom, Alter said her conduct did not affect the team’s decision. “Fans have to be responsible for their own actions, period,” he said, adding that he would not discuss Cloud further.
Pre‑game notice and text exchange
Freedom’s manager, Hank Fetic, had texted Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca on the day of the game to give a heads‑up that Freedom would attend. Pagliocca replied with a courteous acknowledgment but did not tell Freedom to stay away or warn him about conduct. Alter pointed to Freedom’s later claim that he was told to “enjoy the game” as inaccurate, noting the text never contained that language.
Security and fan safety remain a priority
Alter concluded that the Sky’s priority is to keep fans, players and staff safe. He reiterated that the decision to eject Freedom was based on the immediate threat he posed, not on any speculation about his motives. The incident highlights the league’s zero‑tolerance stance on fans who attempt to breach the court and the importance of swift security action to protect families and communities attending games.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
