WNBA moves ex-NBA star to private suite over security threats

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was directed to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from a private luxury suite at State Farm Arena after expressing security concerns about his planned attendance at the match between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday.

Freedom had announced his intention to attend the game on social media, prompting what he claimed were death threats. He told media outlets he had contacted the FBI and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's office about threats he received, stating that his direct messages contained images of an incident involving Charlie Kirk with messages saying he would be 'next very soon'.

State Farm Arena and the WNBA arranged for Freedom to watch from a private suite with additional security, stating that 'the safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority'. In a recorded phone call with NBA security that Freedom posted online, he declined the offer and insisted on sitting in his purchased courtside seats, telling the security officer 'I guess they have to drag me' before the call ended.

Freedom became a controversial figure in basketball after declaring for the WNBA Draft in protest of the league's gender eligibility criteria and was ejected from a Chicago Sky game in August following a courtside confrontation. He previously vowed to attend the Finals despite the security directive.

How it is being reported

• Enes Freedom directed to private suite for WNBA Finals amid safety concerns, won't be allowed to sit courtsideEnes Kanter Freedom was directed to watch WNBA Finals Game 3 from a private suite at State Farm Arena but vowed to sit in his purchased seats.Fox News · 22 Oct, 01:08
• Enes Kanter Freedom 'barred from courtside seats' at WNBA finals in fresh storm... as controversial ex-NBA star vows: 'They will have to drag me out!'Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom claims he is being banned from attending Game 3 of the WNBA Finals and shared a video featuring a phone call with NBA security.Daily Mail Sport · 22 Oct, 00:46
• Enes Kanter Freedom reveals FBI 'protection' at WNBA Finals after his plans to attend sparked threat warning he would be 'the next Charlie Kirk'Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has claimed that he will be under FBI protection when he attends Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday evening.Daily Mail Sport · 21 Oct, 19:28

In this story: Enes Kanter Freedom · FBI · WNBA · State Farm Arena · Atlanta Dream · Golden State Valkyries · Georgia · Brian Kemp

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