Charles Barkley couches support for transgender community with ultimate ‘but’ after Enes Kanter fiasco

A lot has been made about transgender athletes in the WNBA, with people ranging from Sophie Cunningham to former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom weighing in.

Now, fellow former NBA star Charles Barkley has weighed in, voicing his support for the gay and transgender communities appearing on Michael Smerconish’s radio show (via Awful Announcing). However, he doesn’t believe “men should play against women.”

“First of all, I always support the gay community. I always support the transgender community,” he said. “I got nothing but love and respect for gay people and transgender people, but under no circumstances do I think men should play against women. Zero. I’m disappointed in Adam Silver and Cathy [Engelbert], the commissioner.”

“People are looking for attention now,” Barkley said of Kanter and others who are looking to capitalize on the politicization of the league. “But he has a point though.”

Speaking about Kanter Freedom, Barkley sees through his efforts, knowing he’s seeking “attention.” At the same time, he believes he “has a point.”

“People are looking for attention now,” Barkley said of Kanter and others who have been trying to make a stand. “But he has a point though.”

Kanter Freedom recently caused a stir by attending the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever’s recent game. He wore a shirt with the definition of a woman on it.

At one point after a Sophie Cunningham score, Kanter Freedom celebrated the bucket. This prompted Natasha Cloud to yell at him, starting a heated exchange. Eventually, Kanter Freedom would be ejected from the venue.

Kanter Freedom has also declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft. While the league ruled him ineligible, he believed he should be able to play. He self-identifies as a woman, which, per his estimation, means he should be able to play in the WNBA. This was done to challenge the support of transgender women playing in the league.

The post Charles Barkley couches support for transgender community with ultimate ‘but’ after Enes Kanter fiasco appeared first on ClutchPoints.