Atlanta – On Wednesday night, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom refused a private luxury suite that State Farm Arena arranged for his protection during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. Freedom insisted on sitting in the seat he had bought and, after being told he must use the suite, walked out of the arena.
Security Offer and Freedom’s Reaction
State Farm Arena officials said they had contacted Freedom and coordinated with the WNBA, Dream ownership, and local law‑enforcement to provide a designated suite with extra security. The arena’s public‑relations office stated the arrangement was intended to address Freedom’s safety concerns and give him a “positive experience”.
Freedom posted a video at halftime showing an arena employee telling him, “If you come in you have to agree to go to the suite.” He responded, “I purchased tickets, right? Just because I purchased tickets, I would like to sit in my seat. That’s all I want.” An Atlanta police officer later told Freedom, “You’re free to go to the city of Atlanta streets. That’s another private establishment over there. He’s free to go there. He just can’t be here.”
Freedom’s Social‑Media Statement
In a social‑media post, Freedom said, “I just got kicked out of a WNBA game for the second time in a row for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in AMERICA!” He added that the arena’s refusal to let him sit in his purchased seat was an affront to his supporters.
Freedom also referenced a recent interview with Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams, who said she has no problem with trans athletes playing on her team. He said Williams’ comments gave him hope and motivated him to attend the game.
Background on Freedom’s WNBA Attendance
This was Freedom’s first WNBA game since a late‑August appearance at a Chicago‑Indiana matchup, where he was ejected and banned after a heated exchange with guard Natasha Cloud. Freedom and former NBA player Royce White have both announced intentions to declare for the WNBA draft, identifying as women. The league’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has clarified that only women are eligible to play, stating that Freedom and White are men.
Freedom responded to the commissioner’s clarification, writing, “Apparently the WNBA still can’t define what a WOMAN is, but they’re absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!”
Arena’s Position
A State Farm Arena spokesperson reiterated that the suite was offered for Freedom’s safety and that he declined the offer. The arena’s statement emphasized that guest safety and a positive experience are top priorities, and that a state police officer was assigned to Freedom at his request.
Freedom’s departure sparked discussion among fans and advocacy groups about venue security policies, the rights of private individuals to sit in purchased seats, and the broader cultural debate surrounding transgender athletes in professional sports.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
