Chicago Sky fire back at Enes Kanter lawsuit with ardent defense of ‘the truth’

The Chicago Sky aren’t letting Enes Kanter run the show.

Principal owner Michael Alter released a statement on behalf of the team, stating the truth will be revealed in court.

Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom looks on during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena. Getty Images

“We received word that the entity owning the Chicago Sky is being sued by Mr. Enes Kanter Freedom for allegedly violating his First Amendment rights. This lawsuit is meritless and frivolous,” the statement read.

“Freedom’s claim that he was removed from Wintrust Arena due to his speech is false. As his own complaint acknowledges, he wore the shirt in question for multiple hours without any contact with security. Security removed Freedom only after he violated fan code of conduct by rising from his seat, gesturing at a player, and stepping toward the court.

“Freedom was removed for his conduct, not his speech. We look forward to the truth prevailing in court.

“At the advice of our legal counsel, given that there is now pending litigation, we will have no further public comments on the matter outside of the courtroom.”

Kanter filed a lawsuit in Illinois over the way he claims he was mistreated at a WNBA game last month. The former NBA player is suing the Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and the city of Chicago.

Enes Kanter and Natasha Cloud yell at one another during the second half of a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. Getty Images
Ex-NBA star Enes Kanter claims he is eligible to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. X/@EnesFreedom

He alleges all three entities unfairly had him removed from the Sky versus Indiana Fever game on Aug. 23 at Wintrust Arena.

Sky guard Natasha Cloud and Kanter exchanged heated words that led to the latter’s removal.

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