Chicago Sky Owner Discusses Enes Kanter Freedom’s Ejection

Exclusive Interview with Michael Alter

Chicago Sky’s principal owner, Michael Alter, discussed the decision to eject and ban former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom during an exclusive interview on Wednesday. Alter explained the swift actions taken by security at the Wintrust Arena during the game against the Indiana Fever.

Enes Kanter Freedom was banned following his ejection as he was considered a ‘threat’ when he approached the court. Alter stated that due to this perceived threat, Freedom was not given a warning. Using a stark analogy, Alter likened it to actions that don’t warrant a warning, such as shooting a gun.

“That’s when he became a potential threat. We had league security, arena security, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky security, Chicago Police Department all present. They acted immediately, leading to a quick ejection,” Alter expressed.

Freedom, rejecting Alter’s comments, insisted on having been given a warning before the ejection. The WNBA fan code does not guarantee warnings prior to ejection.

Freedom’s Response and Ejection

Enes Kanter Freedom responded to Alter’s comments, after his confrontation with Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky during the game on August 23, 2026. Freedom claims the incident escalated after he cheered for Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, eliciting an unwelcome retort from Cloud.

Alter confirmed that Cloud participated in the verbal confrontation but specified the team found no grounds for disciplinary sanctions against her. Alter mentioned not having directly spoken to either party involved.

Spectators near the incident shared with Alter their account of events, indicating Freedom initiated the verbal interaction, yet no specific words were captured from either side.

“He initiated the first verbal contact with Cloud using basketball trash talk, which spiraled into a back and forth,” Alter explained.

Alter emphasized self-responsibility for fans, asserting that Cloud’s role didn’t influence the handling of Freedom.

Security and Communication Exchange

Alter addressed the prior notice given by Freedom’s manager, Hank Fetic, about attending the game. Alter interpreted Fetic’s language as an indication of potential disturbance rather than a mere notification of attendance.

“Telling someone they deserve a heads-up is a direct indication that trouble is anticipated,” Alter stated.

While security personnel were notified of Freedom’s presence, players weren’t informed, which Alter acknowledged as a regret. Despite the lack of early notice, there was no decision preventing Freedom’s entry to the game.

The preemptive disclosure did not display overt intentions of protest or disruption but left the organization with limited preparation time. Security measures were confirmed in place, yet players were unaware of Freedom attending.

Pagliocca’s text response acknowledged the notification but did not instruct Freedom to avoid the game nor impose conditions on his attendance. Alter interpreted the exchange as a hint of an impending disturbance.

Conclusion

The situation involving Enes Kanter Freedom at Wintrust Arena was absorbed in conflicting narratives, varying interpretations, and absence of audio verification. Ultimately, the Sky’s security protocol was deemed effective in handling the incident, with Freedom banned from future games.