Enes Kanter Freedom denied entry to Game 3 after refusing suite - ESPN

ATLANTA — Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was denied entry to Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, according to a video he posted to social media, after he refused to sit in a private suite arranged for him by the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena in response to his concerns about his personal safety.

«Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight,» State Farm Arena said in a statement before Wednesday night's game between the Dream and Golden State Valkyries. «The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority.

»Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight's game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request."

Before the game, in a post on X with an accompanying video, Freedom indicated that arena security was «banning us from our purchased seats.» He added, «I guess they have to escort me out of the building.»

Later, Freedom posted another video at halftime that showed him being informed at the entry gate: «If you come in you have to agree to go to the suite.»

Freedom responded: «I purchased tickets, right? Just because I purchased tickets, I would like to sit in my seat. That's all I want.»

An Atlanta police