Former NBA player says he'd like to become a member of Congress



Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom said during a Thursday appearance on Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria," that he would eventually like to become a member of Congress.

"I actually do," Freedom replied when Bartiromo asked him if he had interest in making a run for public office. She then asked him if he would like to serve as a member of Congress: "I would actually," Freedom replied, adding, "when the time is right."

When asked if he is currently making plans to run for public office, Freedom responded in the affirmative, but when asked if he is fundraising, Freedom said he has not begun yet.

Enes Kanter Freedom considers run for public office: 'When the time is right' youtu.be

Freedom, who regularly speaks out against human rights abuses around the globe, has been an outspoken critic of China and of the NBA for its extensive business connections to China and its refusal to condemn China for human rights violations.

Earlier this month, he attended President Joe Biden's State of the Union address as a guest of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

\u201c.@EnesFreedom loves the USA. He understands freedom. And he is willing to sacrifice his job in order to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party.\n \nI was proud to have him as one of my guests for State of the Union.\u201d
— Kevin McCarthy (@Kevin McCarthy) 1675896603

Freedom, 30, was born in Switzerland but raised in Turkey — in 2021, he was sworn in as an American citizen and added "Freedom" to his name.

"I am proud to be an American. Greatest nation in the world. The Land of the free, and home of the brave," he tweeted when sharing a video of his swearing in ceremony.

NBA star LeBron James recently broke the NBA record for most career points scored, but Freedom has accused him of bowing to China.

The Spectator reported that Freedom said James "knows that the shoes that he has been wearing are made by slave kids. So I do not respect any of the Nike athletes out there who are talking about social justice."

\u201cPeople get mad when I speak the truth because I\u2019m the only athlete who actually speaks the truth.\nI don\u2019t care about your endorsement deals or your dirty money.\n\nYou can NOT buy me #CCP!\n\nDon\u2019t expect me to respect you or your game when your shoes are literally made by SLAVE KIDS\u201d
— Enes FREEDOM (@Enes FREEDOM) 1675869415

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Leaked audio exposes top NBA execs kowtowing to China, Enes Kanter Freedom declares: 'Evidence of how a 100% American-made company is run by the Chinese dictatorship'



Enes Kanter Freedom bashed the NBA for kowtowing to China once again. The outspoken human rights activist and basketball player claimed that newly-leaked audio of top NBA executives warning him not to offend China was "evidence" that the league is "run by the Chinese dictatorship."

"Tucker Carlson Tonight" aired leaked audio of NBA officials attempting to persuade Freedom to stop protesting the Chinese Communist Party during games.

National Basketball Players Association lawyer Ron Klempner is heard saying, "I got off the phone with the general counsel of the NBA, and he wants to now have a conversation about, their concern right now is not so much what you are saying off the court, but what it is you are saying on the court when you step onto the court."

In a November game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Freedom wore sneakers that depicted LeBron James bowing to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who places a crown on James' head with bags of money surrounding the pair. There is also a mask painted with the flag of East Turkestan – home of the Uyghurs – and a hand with the Chinese flag on it covering the mouth.

\u201cMoney over Morals for the \u201cKing\u201d \ud83d\udc51 \n\nSad & disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice\n\nThey really do \u201cshut up & dribble\u201d when Big Boss \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 says so\n\nDid you educate yourself about the slave labor that made your shoes or is that not part of your research?\u201d
— Enes FREEDOM (@Enes FREEDOM) 1637255348

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is heard saying, "You're not breaking any rule in terms of the shoes."

"There's no rule you're violating now, to me, you know," Silver said. "I think it's also... look, at the end of the day, we're also a business."

Wall Street hedge-fund billionaire, big-time Hillary Clinton financial supporter, and Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry says kowtowing to China's demands is "business."

"China's taken a very aggressive stance, which is, 'Hey if you want to b***h about us, you're out.' Right? Which is – I get it," Lasry said. "It's business. So, their view is you wanna be in our country and do things. If you want to complain about us, you’re not allowed. So what happens for the NBA is the NBA's in a box.”

Freedom reacted to the leaked audio by the NBA execs.

"This is the evidence of how a 100% American-made company is run by the Chinese dictatorship," Freedom told host Tucker Carlson. "And wake up America. This is the league that you have been supporting and watching. Enough is enough. And this is unacceptable."

"It's just sad to see how these people still can lie to American people," Freedom said of NBA officials. "How can they bow down to this dictatorship?"

"They care about social justice until it affects their money and business," he continued. "The NBA pretends to care about social justice in America, but when that affects their business – they're silent."

Freedom proclaimed, "They are mad because finally, someone from the inside – I played 11 years in this league – I've finally exposed them, and I'm saying it again, 'Enough is enough.'"

Freedom claimed that the NBA is trying to force him to retire, but he is not ready.

Freedom started last season playing for the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Houston Rockets. He was immediately cut by the Rockets. Freedom believes that the NBA is trying to silence him.

He said that he plans to continue to play in the NBA and to keep exposing the league's relationship with the Chinese Communist Party.

Enes Kanter Freedom responds to audio of NBA officials appearing to admit Chinese influence www.youtube.com

Enes Kanter Freedom informs LeBron James that he is 'free to leave' America after Brittney Griner remarks



Enes Kanter Freedom slammed LeBron James over his perceived knock on the United States regarding the detainment of WNBA player Brittney Griner in Russia.

In an episode of LeBron's HBO show "The Shop," the Los Angeles Lakers star discussed Griner being detained in Russia after authorities at a Moscow-area airport allegedly discovered hash oil in vape pens stored in her luggage. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, pleaded guilty to the charges and faces up to 10 years in a Russian prison.

James asked, "Now, how can she feel like America has her back? I would be feeling like, 'Do I even want to go back to America?'"

After blowback for seemingly anti-American sentiments, LeBron walked back his comments.

"My comments on 'The Shop' regarding Brittney Griner wasn’t knocking our beautiful country," James wrote on Twitter. "I was simply saying how she’s probably feeling emotionally along with so many other emotions, thoughts, etc inside that cage she’s been in for over 100+ days!"

Freedom ripped LeBron for walking back his comments.

"You call it a step back, we call this a walk back," Freedom wrote on Twitter. "You are free to leave buddy or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her."

"Some people literally have NO idea what is it like to live in a dictatorship," Freedom continued. "Keep taking your freedom for granted."

Freedom was hit with backlash for his pro-U.S. tweet he sent to James, and followed up with a clarification.

"Sad to see so many people bashing U.S. when they have no idea what’s happening on the other side of the world. I’m not saying the U.S is perfect but if you ever visit China, Turkey, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Qatar, Myanmar, Rwanda ... Then you will appreciate what you have here," Freedom said on Twitter.

This isn't the first time that Freedom and James have butted heads.

In October 2021, Freedom challenged LeBron and Nike to confront the Chinese Communist Party for its enslavement of Uyghur Muslims.

The following month, Freedom wore shoes with an image of LeBron bowing to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

LeBron dismissed Freedom's criticisms.

"I think if you know me you know I don't really give too many people my energy and he's definitely not someone I will give my energy to," James said in a post-game interview. "Trying to use my name to create an opportunity for himself. Definitely won't comment too much on that, if any. That will be where I lay that at."

"He's always kind of had a word or two to say in my direction, and as a man, if you got an issue with somebody, you really come up to him," James added. "He had his opportunity tonight. I seen him in the hallway, he walked right by me.

Freedom – an 11-year NBA veteran – was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets last season. He was waived by the Rockets in February and has not played ever since. Freedom claims that the NBA is trying to silence him for being an outspoken critic of China.

Outspoken China critic Enes Kanter Freedom blasts former NBA player Jeremy Lin: 'Shame on you'



Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom, an outspoken critic of China, blasted former NBA player Jeremy Lin in a tweet on Sunday.

Lin, who played in the NBA earlier in his career, also played for the Chinese Basketball Association's Beijing Ducks in the 2019-2020 season, according to USA Today. He went on to play in the NBA's G League, but later announced that he was going back to the Beijing Ducks.

Lin was born in the U.S. to Taiwanese immigrants.

"Shame on you @JLin7," Freedom tweeted. "Haven’t you had enough of that Dirty Chinese Communist Party money feeding you to stay silent? How disgusting of you to turn your back against your country & your people. Stand with Taiwan! Stop bowing to money & the Dictatorship. Morals over Money brother."

Shame on you @JLin7\n\nHaven\u2019t you had enough of that Dirty Chinese Communist Party money feeding you to stay silent?\n\nHow disgusting of you to turn your back against your country & your people.\n\nStand with Taiwan!\nStop bowing to money & the Dictatorship.\n\nMorals over Money brother
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@Enes Kanter FREEDOM) 1638720401

Enes Kanter Freedom, who recently added "Freedom" to his name and was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, has decried Chinese human rights abuses against the Uighurs, and called for the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese President Xi Jinping to shut down the slave labor camps and set the people free.

"Stop the genocide now," Freedom said in a video earlier this year.

He described the U.S. diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics as "Good but NOT enough."

"How many people need to be tortured & raped for U.S to do something more serious?" he asked in a tweet.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced the diplomatic boycott from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympicson Monday, noting that the move was being made due to China's "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, and other human rights abuses."

Some lawmakers said that the Biden administration's move did not go far enough.

"The President has once again opted for a half measure, when bold leadership was required," Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said in a statement. "The United States should fully boycott the Genocide Games in Beijing. American businesses should not financially support the Chinese Communist Party and we must not expose Team USA to the dangers of a repugnant authoritarian regime that disappears its own athletes."

NBA Star Enes Kanter Becomes American Citizen, Changes Last Name To ‘Freedom’

'Today is probably the biggest day of my life,' Freedom said. 'To me, America gave me everything. America gave me home, gave me family.'

Celtics center Enes Kanter changing name to 'Enes Kanter Freedom' in celebration of becoming US citizen



Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is changing his name to “Enes Kanter Freedom” to commemorate becoming a citizen of the United States.

What are the details?

Kanter is set to attend his citizenship ceremony on Monday afternoon, during which time he will complete his legal name change, the Associated Press reported.

CNN reported that "Freedom" will be Kanter's last name, and "Kanter" will be his middle name.

Kanter told the outlet that he decided to change his last name to Freedom as a nod to what his teammates have reportedly nicknamed him in the past.

Kanter, a 29-year-old Turkish native, has been outspoken against China's censorship tactics and its treatment of the Uyghur community, as well as Nike's LeBron James' outspoken support of the country. Kanter recently blasted James over his relationship with the athletic giant due to its purported forced labor practices in China. Nike has previously insisted that it "does not source products from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region."

Kanter also recently called out NBA superstar legend Michael Jordan, whom he accused of placating the black community with money — but no real help to effect social change.

In recent remarks, Kanter accused Jordan of doing "nothing for the black community in America" save for "giving them money" because he "cares too much about his shoe sales."

"Not many people are talking about Michael Jordan," Kanter complained at the time. "Michael Jordan hasn't done anything, nothing, for the black community in America besides just, you know, giving them money. I feel like we need to call out these athletes. At least LeBron James is going out there and being the voice of all those people who are oppressed in America."

In October, Kanter pointed the finger at CEO Phil Knight for not being more vocal against the Chinese government's atrocities.

"Dear Nike, your company says that you're making a positive impact in our communities," Kanter said in fiery remarks. "And that is true. Yes, you are. Here, in the United States, Nike stands with Black Lives Matter, Nike stands with Stop Asian Hate, Nike stands with the Latino community, and Nike stands with the LGBTQ community. And Nike remains vocal about injustice here in America."

"But when it comes to China, Nike remains silent," he continued. "You do not address police brutality in China, you do not speak about discrimination against the LGBTQ community, you do not say a word about the oppression of minorities in China. You are scared to speak up."

Enes Kanter calls out Michael Jordan for placating black community with money but offering no real help



Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter has blasted NBA superstar Michael Jordan for not doing more for the black community.

Kanter has previously been outspoken about humans rights violations and the role he says that Nike plays in human rights atrocities.

What are the details?

A Sunday report from Mediaite states that Turkish-born Kanter made the remarks during a CNN segment on Sunday night in which he accused Jordan of doing "nothing for the black community in America" save for "giving them money."

Kanter told CNN's Pamela Brown that the famed basketball player "has not done anything for the black community because he cares too much about his shoe sales."

"Not many people are talking about Michael Jordan," Kanter complained. "Michael Jordan hasn't done anything, nothing, for the black community in America besides just, you know, giving them money. I feel like we need to call out these athletes. At least LeBron James is going out there and being the voice of all those people who are oppressed in America."

Enes Kanter just called out Michael Jordan on CNN: \u201cMichael Jordan has not done anything for the black community because he cares too much about his shoe sales.\u201d @EnesKanter @Jumpman23 @Nike @KingJames @celticspic.twitter.com/6P06F1NYD0
— New York Basketball (@New York Basketball) 1637537917

What else?

Later during the interview, Kanter added that those purchasing Nike products should consider "every time you put your shoes on, you put that T-shirt on your back, there is so much blood and sweat and oppression on those items, so please, think twice before you buy any of their stuff."

In October, he took aim at Nike CEO Phil Knight for not speaking up against China's atrocities.

"Dear Nike, your company says that you're making a positive impact in our communities," Kanter began in a video-message shared to his social media channels at the time. "And that is true. Yes, you are. Here, in the United States, Nike stands with Black Lives Matter, Nike stands with Stop Asian Hate, Nike stands with the Latino community, and Nike stands with the LGBTQ community. And Nike remains vocal about injustice here in America."

"But when it comes to China, Nike remains silent," he added. "You do not address police brutality in China, you do not speak about discrimination against the LGBTQ community, you do not say a word about the oppression of minorities in China. You are scared to speak up."

Kanter insisted that Nike is utilizing forced Uyghur labor.

"Who makes your shoes in China? Do you even know? There are so many forced labor factories in China," Kanter continued.

Nike has previously insisted that it "does not source products from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region."

LeBron James left triggered after confronted with question about opposing player's anti-China, anti-LeBron shoes



NBA superstar LeBron James suggested Friday that Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is not a man because Kanter has not directly confronted him over criticisms involving Nike and China.

During a game between the Los Angeles Laters and Celtics on Friday — in which the Celtics beat the Lakers 130-108 — Kanter wore shows that depicted James bowing to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who places a crown on James' head.

Boston Celtics player Enes Kanter wore sneakers tonight \u2014 while playing against the Lakers \u2014 with LeBron James bowing down while China\u2019s dictator puts a crown on his head.pic.twitter.com/E1L4ZyPWrF
— Clay Travis (@Clay Travis) 1637378287

What is the background?

Kanter, in addition to being a highly successful basketball player, has made a name for himself by publicly criticizing brutal regimes, like Turkey, the country of origin for his family.

In recent months, however, Kanter has stepped up his criticism to include China. Kanter has called Jinping a "brutal dictator," and he has declared support the "Free Tibet" movement. Kanter's criticism of China has included taking aim at James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and has a highly lucrative endorsement deal with Nike.

"[W]hen it comes to China, Nike remains silent," Kanter said last month. "You do not address police brutality in China, you do not speak about discrimination against the LGBTQ community, you do not say a word about the oppression of minorities in China. You are scared to speak up."

Kanter added:

Nike likes to say "Just Do It." Well, what are you doing about the slave labor that makes your shoes? That slave labor that makes you rich.To the owner of Nike — Phil Knight — I have a message for you. How about I book plane tickets for us, let's fly to China together. We can try to visit these slave labor camps and you can see with your own eyes. LeBron James and Michael Jordan, you guys are welcome to come too. Nike must be a participant in this. Stop the hypocrisy. Stop the modern-day slavery now.

On Thursday, Kanter posted photos of his shoes online with the following message: "Money over Morals for the 'King'[.] Sad & disgusting how these athletes pretend they care about social justice[.] They really do 'shut up & dribble' when Big Boss[.] Did you educate yourself about the slave labor that made your shoes or is that not part of your research?"

How did James respond?

James was asked about Kanter's criticism after the Lakers lost to the Celtics. James, clearly triggered by the question, suggested that Kanter is not a man because he did not confront James to his face.

"I think if you know me you know I don't really give too many people my energy and he's definitely not someone I will give my energy to," he said. "Trying to use my name to create an opportunity for himself. Definitely won't comment too much on that, if any. That will be where I lay that at."

"He's always kind of had a word or two to say in my direction, and as a man, if you got an issue with somebody, you really come up to him," James continued. "He had his opportunity tonight. I seen him in the hallway, he walked right by me.

LeBron is totally in China\u2019s pocket. Gets asked about human rights in China and attacks @EnesKanter for raising the issue.pic.twitter.com/3bchAnturD
— Clay Travis (@Clay Travis) 1637424759

NBA Star Enes Kanter Calls Out China While NBA And Nike Stay Silent

Enes Kanter has been called a hero for speaking out and characterized as brave. Still, the big and mighty NBA and Nike have chosen to be silent.

'THIS is what it looks like when a black man stands up': Mayweather, Kanter & Chappelle SMASH woke-ism



On "Fearless with Jason Whitlock" Tuesday, Jason celebrated what he called a series of major victories in the cancel culture war.

Whitlock first discussed Dave Chappelle's latest video in which the iconic comedian reacted to leftist outrage over his Netflix comedy special "The Closer."

"To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me. I am not bending to anyone's demands …," Chappelle said in the video. "I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not? You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix. It seems like I'm the only one who can't go to the office."

"So far, Dave Chappelle ain't backing down," Whitlock remarked, noting Chapelle's example of "what it looks like when a black man stands up and refuses to back down because some people are upset."

He went on to highlight boxing legend Floyd Mayweather's recent statement on social media in support of NBA star Kyrie Irving, who has been banned from the Brooklyn Nets facility until he complies with COVID vaccine mandates.

"A free mind makes its own choices, an enslaved mind follows the crowd," Mayweather said. "Stand for something or fall for anything. … It's crazy how people hate you for being a leader. I hope your actions encourage many others to stand up and say 'enough is enough.' Respect to you, Kyrie, and power to the people."

"Mayweather just demonstrated more courage than the overwhelming majority of Irving's NBA peers," said Whitlock. "They're afraid to publicly support a peer who is taking a courageous stand. They don't want to be on the wrong side of a Twitter or Facebook or one of those algorithm lynch mobs."

Next, Whitlock talked about Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter, who publicly called out prominent NBA sponsor Nike for their hypocrisy on China's human rights abuses.

In a video posted on his social media accounts, Kanter said, "Dear Nike, your company says that you're making a positive impact in our communities, and that is true. Yes, you are. Here, in the United States, Nike stands with Black Lives Matter, Nike stands with Stop Asian Hate, Nike stands with the Latino community, and Nike stands with the LGBTQ community. And Nike remains vocal about injustice here in America."

"But when it comes to China, Nike remains silent," he added. "You do not address police brutality in China. You do not speak about discrimination in the LGBTQ community. You do not say a word about the oppression of minorities in China. You are scared to speak up."

"Yes, they are [scared to speak up]," Whitlock agreed. "But more than that, they're frauds. All of them. They blast America because social media algorithms will reward criticism of the country that made them rich and famous. They blast America because the Chinese Communist Party rewards criticism of the country that made LeBron, Jordan, and Colin Kaepernick rich and famous."

Finally, former UNC Tar Heel and Minnesota Timberwolf Rashad McCants and sportswriter Steve Kim joined Whitlock to continue the conversation.

Watch the video below or find more "Fearless with Jason Whitlock" here. Can't watch? Download the podcast here.



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