‘Shame on You’ – Enes Kanter Blasts Critics of Trans-Athlete Stunt, Claims He Wants To ‘Protect Women’

Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom reacts as he is removed from the arena during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena. © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Former NBA player Enes Kanter is making the media rounds after a very public display at a recent WNBA game.

Kanter was ejected from a recent game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after getting in a verbal altercation with the Sky’s Natasha Cloud. He was wearing a shirt that featured a definition of the term “woman” and seemed to be instigating the situation. He is now trying to make his overall intentions clear.

Enes Kanter Freedom Claims He is Just Trying to Protect Girls and Women

Kanter appeared on “Mornings with Maria” on Fox Business on Thursday and was asked how he would respond to critics who claim he is doing all this simply for attention. He was not happy about that particular criticism.

“I want to directly talk to America,” Kanter began. “Many people think that I do this for attention. I have one message for you: Shame on you. I’m here to protect women. I’m here to support your little daughters and care about the next generation. And I’m here to stand with American values. If anyone thinks that I do this for attention please come say that to my face. Shame on you.”

Kanter recently made headlines after he said he would declare himself a woman and enter the WNBA Draft. Then came his public display at the Sky game. The team has since banned him from the arena.

Yet he continues to say that this is not about publicity at all. Instead, he claims he is only trying to help women by making sure trans athletes cannot compete in women’s sports.

The WNBA has been engulfed by this delicate conversation ever since Sophie Cunningham shared her thoughts on the matter, which align with Kanter’s overall view.

Being banned by the Sky does not seem to be slowing down Kanter in his crusade. If anything, it may embolden him to continue speaking out even more.

MORE: ‘The Shirt Was the Crime’ – Jason Whitlock Claims Enes Kanter Was Really Banned Over Controversial WNBA Statement

The WNBA postseason is approaching, and all eight playoff spots have been claimed. This includes Cunningham’s team, the Indiana Fever.

Will Kanter show up at other arenas? That remains to be seen, but it is certainly a possibility as he truly believes he is protecting women. This conversation goes well beyond the WNBA world, but has found a home within the league and its overall coverage. That may not change anytime soon.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.