The NBA has been utilized as a platform for athletes to enhance their personalities and gain credibility for themselves, with their game being used as leverage.
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In fact, these NBA athletes have employed their standing to make certain political statements. Given their stalwart patronage and the fact that their supporters resonate with them.
LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been the most forthright and candid NBA stars to frequently speak up on certain contentious issues. A lesser-known star, Enes Kanter Freedom, who had resorted to these measures found himself allegedly blackballed from the league.
The Swiss-born, Turskish-raised American citizen has had a long ongoing issue with the Turkish government dating back over 10+ years. His public disparaging of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, branding him a dictator and the “Hitler of our Century”.
The former NBA Center has, in an astounding turn of events at long last found himself battling a bounty placed on his head.
Enes Freedom’s actions have found a bounty sanctioned on his head!
Freedom has had a public spat with the Turkish president as well as the government. However, he has now faced the full brunt force of the government. The 31-year-old has officially made Turkey’s Most Wanted Terrorist’s list and has had a bounty placed on his head.
The former Portland Trailblazers Center has now had a bounty of 10 Million Turkish Lira or $500,000 placed on his head, for his capture.
Speaking about the revelation, Freedom said:
“That makes it so dangerous. Before the bounty, Turkish intelligence were after the people on the list, but now everyone is after them because they want the money.“Because of my platform, whenever I say something, it goes everywhere and the Turkish government hates that,” Freedom said. “They’re really sick of it, and they said ‘enough is enough’ and are doing whatever they can to shut me up.”
Freedom has been in constant vigilance for the safety of his family and his life. He has been in constant contact with US law enforcement agencies for the safety of his life.
His parents, who currently reside in Turkey, have faced a barrage of complications due to Freedom’s statements and actions. As a matter of fact, his father Mehmet was even jailed. It eventually reached a stage where they had to disown him.
Even so, they are constantly harassed for their ties to Freedom. Freedom was a Turkish citizen due to his ancestry. Since he arrived in the United States to pursue his professional basketball career, he has resided there permanently.
Primarily due to the substantial conflicts he has had with Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Freedom’s relationship with the Euro-Asian country has deteriorated over the past decade, as his outspoken nature against the country’s regiment, severely impacted his ties to the country.
Prior to his departure from the NBA, Freedom made the headlines for his unprecedented name change. Freedom relinquished his surname of ‘Kanter’, and adopted the name Freedom to pay homage to the country that provided him with a sense of freedom.
A message to the nation that is trying to silence him.
Enes Freedom plans to sue the NBA!
Freedom believes he was blacklisted from the NBA for his outspoken* nature. He was vocal about the issues that are currently ongoing in China. During his appearances, he would dawn sneakers with messages sent to the Chinese government, standing in solidarity with those affected.
He has been of the belief due to those actions, he has suffered the wrath of the NBA. His constant imposing actions, as per Freedom himself, affected the NBA, which looks to China as its primary revenue. The country contributes over a Billion dollars in revenue to the NBA annually.
The former NBA player was last seen in 2021, sporting the bright green colours of the Boston Celtics. He averaged 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 11 minutes per game. He has since not seen the hardwood floors of any NBA franchise.
It’s uncertain currently as to what the future holds for the 11-year NBA veteran. But Freedom is currently disposed with running interfaith basketball camps for children to emphasize and encourage unity.
