Sunday’s Chicago Sky versus Indiana Fever game took a hard left turn when former NBA center Enes Kanter got ejected in the second half after a wild interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Kanter didn’t hold back later on Fox News, claiming Cloud’s trash talk included a jaw-dropping Sophie Cunningham-related comment, telling him straight up: “She is not going to sleep with you.”
The Sideline Blow-Up and Cunningham’s Name in the Mix
Kanter made a whole show of attending the Sky vs. Fever clash, but things went sideways fast. Cloud apparently dished out some trash talk toward Kanter after a layup, and Kanter, never one to shy away, egged the 34-year-old Sky guard on by standing up and spreading his arms. That move was enough for him to get removed from the building. Kanter clarified his take on the comment, making it clear: “I’m not trying to sleep with Sophie Cunningham; I want to make it very clear. Definitely not.”
So why the Sophie Cunningham shout-out? Cunningham had a 10-minute cameo in that very game. She’s also seen as one of the main reasons folks like Kanter started paying attention to the WNBA in the first place, specifically because of the debate around trans athletes.
Kanter’s WNBA Challenge Just Got Real
This whole situation is bigger than just one sideline dust-up. Kanter, along with Royce White, has been pushing the WNBA regarding what they call vague eligibility guidelines. They’ve even announced their intentions to exploit the language of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement to declare for the 2027 draft. Kanter’s appearance at WNBA games, including this Sky-Fever matchup, is all about building public support for his cause.
The WNBA, however, has already publicly addressed this. They’ve decreed that neither Kanter nor White would be eligible for the draft. But don’t expect this to be the end of it. Kanter has already forewarned that he plans to challenge this decision in court. This WNBA drama just went from the hardwood to the courtroom, and it’s far from over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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