NBA player kicked out of the league for criticizing China

Ernes Kanter Freedom (born Enes Kanter) is a Turkish-American former NBA center who played 11 seasons in the league. He became well-known for his outspoken criticism of authoritarian regimes, particularly the Chinese government under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

How His Criticism of China Led to His Ouster

Kanter had long criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (which also strained his relationship with Turkey). Around 2021, he shifted focus heavily to China, highlighting:

- The treatment of Uyghur Muslims (which many describe as genocide, involving mass detention, forced labor, and cultural erasure).

- Repression in Tibet.

- Broader human rights abuses under Xi Jinping.

He wore custom "Freedom Shoes" with messages like "Free Tibet," called Xi a "brutal dictator," and used social media and interviews to raise awareness.

Consequences followed quickly

- Chinese broadcasters banned Boston Celtics games (his team at the time) almost immediately after some of his actions. His name and the team were effectively erased from Chinese platforms.

- A teammate reportedly warned him early on that criticizing China or Nike (a major partner with heavy China exposure) would end his NBA career.

- In February 2022, shortly after intensified activism, he was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets and then waived days later. He has not been signed by an NBA team since, despite being relatively young (early 30s) and claiming he was still in good playing shape.

Kanter Freedom has testified before Congress and stated publicly that this was blackballing due to business interests. The NBA makes billions from China (broadcast rights, merchandise, etc.), and Nike has massive production and sales there. He argues the league prioritizes profits over principles.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has denied that his activism caused the end of his career, framing it as performance-related. However, many observers see the timing as too coincidental, especially given how the league handled other controversies.

The Hypocrisy Angle

This is the core of the criticism against the NBA and many of its players:

-Free speech on domestic/U.S. issues

NBA players, coaches, and the league itself have been highly vocal on American social and political matters. Examples include Black Lives Matter support, police reform, voting rights, and criticism of U.S. policies or figures. The league has painted itself as a champion of social justice and free expression.

-Silence (or appeasement) on China:

 When it comes to the CCP — accused of genocide, forced labor, suppression of Hong Kong, threats to Taiwan, etc. — the response has been markedly different. After Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters in 2019, the league faced a major backlash from China. Players and executives largely distanced themselves or stayed quiet to protect business ties.

Prominent stars like LeBron James faced backlash for comments perceived as defending China or criticizing those who spoke out. The league has been accused of selective outrage: loud on issues that cost little financially, quiet on those threatening a massive revenue stream.

Kanter Freedom and critics argue this reveals hypocrisy. The NBA promotes "woke" values and player activism at home but self-censors when it risks alienating the Chinese market. Corporations like Nike (which has faced allegations related to Xinjiang labor) add another layer. Speaking out against one's own country is low-risk and often rewarded with praise; criticizing a powerful foreign dictatorship with real economic leverage leads to professional consequences.

In short, Kanter Freedom's case became a flashpoint exposing the tension between professed principles and financial pragmatism in the NBA. He sacrificed his playing career for consistency on human rights, while the league's broader approach has drawn accusations of prioritizing profits over universal values. This remains a contentious topic in sports and politics.