Ex-NBA Player Defending Enes Kanter Freedom’s Stance Against WNBA Eligibility Gets Flamed on Social Media – “Where is the Threat?”

Enes Kanter Freedom was trying to further his activism against the WNBA’s eligibility criteria when he appeared at the Wintrust Arena to watch the Indiana Fever take on the Chicago Sky.

From meeting fellow supporters outside the arena, to then being heckled by WNBA fans, and finally sitting courtside to watch the action, it was all going his way in garnering the attention he needed.

But for most of the game, not one soul bothered about his presence, as the game was mighty exciting in its own right, and would have stayed that way had it not been for a moment of madness from Natasha Cloud.

To her credit, she stayed true to her character of calling out what she feels is incorrect. But in doing so, the Sky guard invariably gave Kanter Freedom a lot of ammunition and another narrative to spin.

Eventually, he was escorted out of the arena. But in doing so, many came forward to his defense, asking the WNBA what he did wrong to get that treatment. One of them happened to be another former NBA player named Matt Ryan.

He first asked the league and its fans why they were demonizing someone for trying to defend its women. Then, he came up with a follow-up post on X, where he reiterated that Enes Kanter Freedom had no intention of setting foot on a WNBA floor.

Yes. This is an “80-20” topic, with >80% of the country having the most basic of common sense – being able to clearly define what a woman is, and recognizing someone not born as a woman should not participate in women’s sports. There is no transphobia involved in this stance.… https://t.co/dje9RBy3lB

— Matt Ryan (@Matt_Ryan04) August 24, 2026

However, what the 29-year-old Ryan stressed is that his fellow former Boston Celtics player is challenging the league to fix its eligibility and ‘do what is right.’

Fans tear into Matt Ryan for trying to defend Enes Kanter Freedom’s actions

At first, fans on social media had to get to grips with the fact that this was not Matt Ryan, former NFL MVP and current top executive for the Atlanta Falcons. Once they figured out who this person was, they then went on to torch him for defending what Enes Kanter Freedom is doing.

They believe that, for starters, there is no trans athlete-based problem in the WNBA. They pointed out that most of this has been manufactured by one side of the population who want to make the most of something that has not been a problem so far.

Then there are those fans who felt that Kanter Freedom is using the women to make a name for himself, as he has been largely irrelevant ever since losing his NBA career. For Ryan to defend it, fans felt that this proves they want to make the most of this situation. Examples of those reactions are below.

But who is challenging the status quo of the W? Where is the threat?

— eric. (@Thattall_guy4) August 24, 2026

No it is a 0% topic idiot. Because 0 players in the wnba are trans you virtue signaling moron

— The Saurus (@TheSaurus831) August 24, 2026

Nothing says protecting women’s sports like attempting to publicly embarrass the largest women’s sports league in the world!

— Brett Browns burner (@HinkieBrown) August 24, 2026

there aren't even any trans people in the wnba yall are just making something out of nothing

— patrick (@PatWrld_999) August 24, 2026

Showing up to the game to harass women and troll them at their place of business is what people sane have a problem with, Matthew

— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) August 24, 2026

You’re saying this when the W has 0 trans athletes . Enes showed up just for his own attention. Why did he even make a scene stepping toward women players. That was just weird.

— Jason Green (@jasongr123) August 24, 2026

As a man, why are you getting in women’s business, and tell me why it’s always these washed up athlete who couldn’t make it in their own league trying to come after people who aren’t bothering them in the slightest

— 💄Kiki💎 (@PunksWorldd) August 24, 2026

The WNBA has never been threatened until you losers showed up 😭😭

— NEW YORK KNICKS 2026 CHAMPS (@HeyImAJ) August 24, 2026

You’re making up an issue that doesn’t exist. How about just leaving a small group of people alone who did not ask to be involved in the WNBA arguments

— quill (@willyquill) August 24, 2026

Enes Kanter Freedom may be trying to force the WNBA to end any chances of trans athletes playing in the league. After recent interest from a French trans athlete, he and his fellow supporters felt it was important that the league change its eligibility criteria.

Matt Ryan was once LeBron James and Anthony Edwards’ teammate

This version of Matt Ryan currently plays basketball in Europe. But before that, he did play a few games in the NBA. He and Enes Kanter Freedom were on the 2021-22 Boston Celtics team, but the latter was traded away 18 days before Ryan signed with them.

However, the 6’7″ forward has played alongside the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Edwards. After his stint with the Celtics, the New York native managed to crack the 15-man roster for the Los Angeles Lakers. That is how he ended up playing alongside one of the all-time greats in James.

The franchise did not find value in him and waived him after a little over two months. Then, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He stayed a bit longer and played alongside Edwards.

Matt Ryan also had a chance to be a part of what would be the eventual champion New York Knicks. However, he was waived prior to the start of the season. After playing in Dubai, he is now contracted to Maxima Roma in the Italian league. Despite being a journeyman, he is still part of USA Basketball’s 3X3 qualifier teams.

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