Enes Kanter connected with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham after he was removed from a WNBA game just weeks ago. In a new interview, the former NBA player said that he shared his version of events with Cunningham after his August 23rd kerfuffle became national news. Elsewhere in his statement, Kanter praised “American hero” Cunningham and said that she’s encouraging women around the world.
Riley Gaines: “Have you had any communication with Sophie Cunningham in all this?”
Enes Kanter Freedom: “I did text her after the game, and she even asked me like, ‘What happened?’ I simply said I got up and open my arms in the air and said, ‘I’m here to protect my friends.’”… pic.twitter.com/k9GouRVv0n
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) September 6, 2026
Speaking with Fox News, Kanter told the publication that he communicated with Cunningham after he was removed from Wintrust Arena in late August 2026. According to the former NBA player, Cunningham texted him, “What happened?”
“So, yes, I did text her after the game,” Kanter said, explaining that he replied, “I just got up and opened my arms in the air and said, ‘I’m here to protect my friends.’”
Kanter didn’t share much else about his communication with Cunningham following the game, but he praised the WNBA player for setting what he says is a positive example for girls.
“I think she’s inspiring not only the people in the WNBA, but the girls from all over the world,” he said. “I think she’s an idol now, and she’s an American hero. I’m just really happy that finally someone from the WNBA got up and said, ‘Enough is enough. We have to stand for American values.’”
Enes Kanter Was Removed From A WNBA Game
According to a previous report from The Blast, Kanter was removed from a Chicago Sky game after he got into a heated altercation with veteran player Natasha Cloud. Videos show the former Boston Celtics player stepping toward the baseline with his arms outstretched, yelling something at the WNBA player.
While it’s unclear what was said, Kanter confirmed the two athletes bumped heads over the ongoing conversation about transgender athletes competing in women’s leagues. Kanter, who has argued that the league’s rules surrounding who can play in the WNBA are unclear, arrived at the Sky game wearing a shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”
Why Was Enes Kanter At The Chicago Sky Game?
Kanter’s appearance at the Chicago Sky game also came weeks after the 34-year-old claimed to be transgender and released a video declaring for the WNBA draft.
“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required,” he said, “then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” he said, per The Blast. “I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.”
While his chances of playing with the women in 2027 were always slim, a source told the media after his Chicago Sky removal that he was not eligible to compete in the league.
WNBA Players Aren’t Fans Of Kanter
Although some may appreciate Kanter’s public comments about the WNBA, some of the league’s top talent have condemned him for causing drama and attempting to use their newfound attention to “stay relevant.”
Cameron Brink called Kanter a “stupid piece of sh-t” and blasted him for talking incessantly about a “non-issue,” according to The Blast. “I think taking something that’s a non-issue right now and trying to use it for clickbait, for views, for likes, and then targeting a vulnerable community is just really low.”
5x WNBA All-Star Angel McCoughtry shared a similar statement, slamming Kanter for peddling divisive topics instead of supporting the growing league.
“Real NBA players, they don’t have time for that,” she said. “They come and support our game, and we figure out ways we can create and grow.”
Change Coming To The WNBA
As the current WNBA season winds down, league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told fans and players to prepare for change because she’s retiring.
“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 years total in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” she said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Engelbert in his statement addressing her retirement and thanked her for leading the WNBA through its “most significant period of growth” in 30 years.
“We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball,” he said.
