On Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, former NBA player Royce White became the surprise highlight of the Indiana Fever’s home game. White, who recently declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft and has gained viral attention, arrived without prior notice and without a ticket in his name, according to his interview with OutKick.
Fans quickly gathered around White, shaking his hand and taking photos. The enthusiastic response stood in stark contrast to the treatment of former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom at a Chicago Sky‑Fever game the previous Sunday, where Freedom was heckled and ultimately ejected in the third quarter after security was alerted to his presence.
White praises Indiana’s hospitality
“They don’t have hate for Black trans lesbians here in Indiana, it’s a beautiful thing,” White told OutKick after the game. “The reception was great. That’s really the cool thing, juxtaposed to what Enes went through… I just had a completely different experience tonight, and the people of Indiana are great.”
White added that he did not expect such a warm welcome, noting the difference between Indiana and Chicago. “It’s just so crazy the difference of response here in Indiana versus Chicago. One city is run by people who have common sense and the other one isn’t,” he said.
Other notable attendees
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines were also in attendance. Gaines, who recently sparred with Simone Biles on social media over the issue of trans athletes in women’s sports, commented on the fan reception, recalling a previous experience in Minneapolis. “My main takeaway is that when Minneapolis is booing you, it’s generally a good sign, especially for those of us with common sense and an ounce of integrity,” Gaines told OutKick.
Despite the presence of both Rokita and Gaines, White’s appearance dominated the conversation on social media, eclipsing even the high‑profile appearance of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who was also in the arena.
Context of the contrasting experiences
The Chicago Sky’s decision to inform security of Freedom’s arrival hours before the game led to a hostile environment for the former NBA player, who is known for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government and advocacy for human rights. In Indiana, no such advance notice was given, allowing White to blend into the crowd without incident.
White’s unannounced visit and the enthusiastic response from Fever fans underscore the varying attitudes of Midwestern cities toward high‑profile athletes and controversial public figures.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
