Key Highlights:
- Enes Kanter Freedom claimed former Boston Celtics teammate Dennis Schroder questioned LeBron James’ public activism motives, alleging Schroder characterized it as self-serving.
- Freedom stated he felt ostracized by Celtics teammates and faced concern from his coach after appearing on Fox News in 2021 to discuss human rights abuses in China.
- The remarks follow fresh tensions between Freedom and the WNBA regarding courtside seating at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta amid his campaign on gender eligibility.
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom has voiced new allegations regarding the political climate within the National Basketball Association, targeting Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and recounting internal friction he reportedly faced during his tenure with the Boston Celtics. Freedom’s remarks surface alongside ongoing disputes with the WNBA concerning his presence at league games and his public campaigning regarding gender eligibility policies.
Allegations Regarding Dennis Schroder and LeBron James
Freedom recounted a conversation he allegedly had with German guard Dennis Schroder when the two played together for the Boston Celtics. Freedom claimed he asked Schroder about his experience playing alongside LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically probing into James’ public social activism.
According to Freedom, Schroder provided an unvarnished critique of James’ motivations. Addressing the exchange, Freedom stated: He said, ‘Whatever is LeBron doing is for LeBron,’
Freedom said. I was like, enough said. We don’t have to say a word anymore. Because I used to respect him a lot, you know, for what he’d done for black community.
Freedom elaborated on how that alleged conversation altered his view of the four-time NBA champion. But when one of his former teammates said, you know, all his advocacy is for, is for LeBron, that’s where, that’s where he lost me. But I mean, everybody knows LeBron James… I call him the dictator of the NBA.
Freedom continued, And I think President Trump said the best. You know, he disrespects our country and disrespects our flag. LeBron James is the reason the NBA is woke still. I promise you, once he retires, NBA is not going to be as woke as now.
The purported private statements by Schroder have not been independently verified.
Backlash Over Fox News Appearances and Media Disparities
Beyond his critique of James, Freedom described experiencing a stark contrast in locker room culture depending on which media networks covered his political commentary. When he made an appearance on CNN to speak against human rights abuses in China, Freedom noted he received praise from peers. However, a subsequent segment on Fox News regarding identical human rights concerns was met with backlash from Boston Celtics teammates and concern from his coaching staff.
Freedom maintained that appearing on a specific broadcast outlet was intended to educate a wider viewership rather than endorse a political agenda. Describing the internal environment, Freedom said: In NBA circles, we don’t talk about Fox News, we don’t watch Fox News,
Freedom added. And if you do, you will realize that you are going to get cancelled and you’re going to get hated on.
He also claimed that several players secretly support conservative policies and Donald Trump but suppress their viewpoints out of concern over potential social and professional backlash.
WNBA Arena Incidents and Strained League Relations
These reflections on the NBA’s internal dynamics arrived immediately following Freedom’s public dispute at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta. Freedom reported that after buying a courtside seat, arena and league officials requested he relocate to a private luxury suite due to security concerns. The encounter led to a confrontation involving local police outside State Farm Arena, resulting in Freedom departing before entering the seating area.
The Atlanta incident follows Freedom’s ejection from a Chicago Sky game in August, which occurred amid his vocal opposition to transgender women participating in the WNBA. These incidents mark continued friction between Freedom and professional basketball organizations following his exit from active NBA competition.
Why This Matters
The statements highlight the ongoing cultural and political divisions surrounding professional basketball, particularly regarding athlete activism, media appearances, and corporate sports policy. Freedom’s accusations reflect long-standing debates over perceived political uniformity within the NBA and illustrate how personal political stances continue to complicate interactions between former players, current superstars like LeBron James, and governing leagues such as the NBA and WNBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Enes Kanter Freedom claim Dennis Schroder said about LeBron James?
Freedom alleged that while they were teammates on the Boston Celtics, Dennis Schroder told him, Whatever is LeBron doing is for LeBron,
leading Freedom to claim James’ social activism is primarily self-serving.
Why did Freedom face criticism from his Celtics teammates in 2021?
Freedom stated that although teammates supported his CNN appearances concerning human rights in China, an appearance on Fox News addressing the same issue drew pushback from teammates and concern from his head coach.
What happened between Enes Kanter Freedom and the WNBA in Atlanta?
Freedom attempted to sit in a purchased courtside seat at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena, but league officials attempted to move him to a private luxury suite for security reasons. Following a confrontation with police outside the venue, Freedom chose to leave without taking his seat.
