Enes Kanter Freedom Escorted From WNBA Finals Game

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted from State Farm Arena after refusing to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from a private suite designated by arena officials to address his safety concerns. Freedom had purchased courtside seats for the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Golden State Valkyries. Before his arrival, he was told that the suite would be his only permitted viewing location. He rejected the arrangement and, when he later tried to enter the arena, staff reiterated that he would have to go to the suite. An Atlanta police officer told him he could not remain on arena property, and Freedom left with a police escort. State Farm Arena said Freedom had contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Dream and arena officials about concerns for his personal safety. After consulting with the league, team ownership and security officials, the arena designated a private suite with additional security for him. The arena said state police had also assigned an officer to Freedom at his request. Its stated rationale was to address his safety concerns and protect guests and team members. Videos of the encounter show Freedom refusing to relocate and...