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...