The Atlanta Dream moved Enes Kanter Freedom to a suite for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm in Atlanta on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in response to his safety concerns, according to an announcement from the team.

Kanter Freedom, who played in the NBA for 11 seasons, shared his plans to attend the game via social media on Monday, Oct. 19. He then shared another post on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that indicated he had viewed negative responses from fans about his intention and would attend anyway.

Kanter Freedom has been outspoken about the inclusion of transgender athletes to target the WNBA, declaring himself eligible for the 2027 league draft on social media Aug. 7, saying he identifies as a woman.

About 30 minutes before tipoff of Game 3, the Dream released a statement:"Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight," the Dream statement read. "The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority. Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request."

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Kanter Freedom went on Fox News and said he'd received "thousands of death threats." He also evoked the name of Charlie Kirk, the American right-wing political activist who was assassinated while debating with college students about gun violence.

In an Oct. 17 video confirming he would be in Atlanta for the Finals, Kanter Freedom mentioned Valkyries forward Gabby Williams and Dream star Angel Reese.

Williams, who has led her team in scoring in the postseason, expressed support for transgender athletes in women's sports this season, saying she would “welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to kind of attack trans people." 

Kanter Freedom cited her as his inspiration to declare for the WNBA draft.

“As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, I have no problem with trans athletes playing on my team or against my team," Freedom said. “Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA draft. I can’t wait to watch my favorite player, the woman who inspired me to become who I am today!”

Kanter Freedom also attempted to draw attention from Reese, who helped the Dream even the WNBA Finals best-of-seven series 1-1 on Monday with a historic double-double.

"My favorite diva has unfortunately blocked me on social media," Kanter Freedom said. "But that won’t stop me from showing my appreciation for the one and only @Reese10Angel! I can’t wait to take some notes on how to finish a layup after grabbing a rebound.

"I’m excited to support all the hardworking women in the WNBA and scout the competition before I dominate the league next year, unless they change the rules!"

Kanter Freedom and former NBA player Royce White, who also declared earlier this year that he identified as a woman, are not eligible to enter the WNBA draft, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Aug. 24. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The person said the league is not going to "give oxygen to efforts designed to mock the league or use this topic to demean or marginalize others."

Kanter Freedom attended a Chicago Sky game on Aug. 23, in a T-shirt that said: "WOMAN noun. adult human female." After getting into a shouting match with Sky guard Natasha Cloud, he was ejected and banned from the Sky's Wintrust Arena. He has subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Sky saying his First Amendment rights were violated when he was "wrongfully ejected" from the Aug. 23 game in Chicago. 

The newfound scrutiny surrounding eligibility began this season when Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said young girls playing sports "shouldn't have to go against biological men."

A transgender woman has never played in the WNBA, but the league has become a lightning rod for the topic after comments made by Cunningham were published in an ESPN story on July 21.

Cunningham's comments on transgender athlete participation and the ensuing conversation came after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld states' right to ban transgender girls and women from participation in women's sports.Legislation passed in 27 states barring transgender girls and women from participating in women's sports is aimed at a small portion of the population – 1% of people aged 13 and over in the U.S. identify as transgender, according to a 2025 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law.

The Human Rights Campaign reported in 2023 that 19% of transgender youth nationwide were playing sports, including fewer than 1,300 who played sports in school.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Enes Kanter moved to Atlanta Dream suite for WNBA Finals after sharing safety concerns

A total of 84 boys and girls basketball teams from across 10 states, including Connecticut, will be playing in the Panini Hoophall Invitational in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Jan. 16-17, 2027.

There will be a 64-team boys tournament and a 20-team girls tournament. Of those teams, 24 from Connecticut will be competing, 22 from the CIAC. Each team will play two games.

Now in its third year, the Invitational had 76 teams last year.

The New London boys and girls are returning for the third consecutive year and will play back-to-back games on the 16th at Duggan Academy. The Career boys (New Haven), the Grasso Tech boys and the New Britain girls are playing there as well.

Pope Francis Preparatory is also hosting four games featuring Connecticut teams, including both the Weaver boys and girls. The Norwich Free Academy boys and Seymour girls are also participating.

The Killingly and New Fairfield boys and the Coventry girls will be playing at High School of Commerce. The Notre Dame Prep boys, who defeated Mater Dei (Calif.) in the Hoophall Classic last year, join the Stonington boys and the Greenwich Country Day boys at Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.

The Glastonbury and Ridgefield girls teams and the Staples and Achievement First boys will play at Springfield International Charter School. The St. Bernard boys are playing at High School of Science & Technology. Marianapolis Prep boys will be playing at Western New England College on Sunday.

The Bunnell and East Hartford boys and the Bristol Central girls will be playing at Springfield Central.

Running the same weekend, the Hoophall Classic (Jan. 14-18) field should be announced this week. All games will be played at Springfield College.

This article originally published at These Connecticut teams are set for the 2027 Panini Hoophall Invitational in Springfield, Mass..

11th October 2026; Fir Park, Scottish Premiership, Motherwell versus Celtic; Celtic fans group Green Brigade with an anti Dermot Desmond banner. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

The ultras group announced earlier this month that they would boycott European home fixtures and withdraw from the home cup ticket scheme amid growing frustration with the club’s hierarchy.

Sutton, who helped Celtic knock Celta Vigo out of the UEFA Cup en route to the 2003 final, believes supporters are justified in demanding greater ambition from the club.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “The Green Brigade should stick to their guns. I don’t always agree with how they go about things, but I understand their frustration and the feeling that supporters are being ignored.

“They are taking the kind of action they feel will force Celtic to take note. They are not alone either. I speak to a lot of Celtic fans who feel angry and frustrated at the lack of ambition shown in terms of Europe.

“The win against Hearts was a real positive but rattling a couple of domestic opponents doesn’t change anything.”

Celtic head into Thursday’s encounter following an emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts, although successive European defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica have left Martin O’Neill’s side facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.

Sutton believes the club’s continued struggles on the European stage explain why sections of the support have taken such drastic action.

He continued: “It’s only been a few days since they were turned over by Benfica. Martin O’Neill tried to put on a brave face, but Celtic were thoroughly outclassed.

“Sunday’s win was much more like it, but supporters have been crying out for European success, and they have not been properly equipped to compete at the Europa level, never mind the Champions League.

“Boycotting big matches like this is a drastic measure but I can understand how they see this might be a way to get the message across.”

The former Hoops striker also warned that domestic success should not disguise Celtic’s shortcomings in Europe, insisting Thursday’s meeting with the Spanish outfit represents a must-win encounter.

He added: “It’s a difficult game, and the Europa League hopes are really in the balance after the defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica.

“It’s a must-win, but the same questions remain about their ability to compete when they go up a level.”

Sutton also questioned whether Celtic have made sufficient progress in Europe since O’Neill restored the club’s reputation during his first spell in charge.

He said: “O’Neill restored Celtic’s reputation in Europe when he first came to the club after a couple of decades in the doldrums. But that reputation has been hit in recent years when you look at the teams they have lost to in the Champions League qualifiers in particular.

“That’s the point supporters are trying to make.”

Despite his concerns, Sutton hopes Celtic can secure a vital three points against Celta Vigo and keep their European ambitions alive.

He concluded: “Celta Vigo are not a Barcelona or Real Madrid, but they are a decent side, and they will be a difficult proposition.

“I hope Celtic can get a result that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, but finishing in the top 24 of the Europa League should be a minimum requirement, never mind the ultimate goal.”

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One reason fans were optimistic the Oklahoma Sooners' run game would improve this season was the return of their top two running backs from last season, along with four starting offensive linemen.

However, those two running backs, Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, have been injured, and the four offensive linemen haven't played a game together due to injuries. Blaylock led the Sooners with 480 yards and four scores last season. He's battled injuries since camp and has just 45 yards on 17 carries this season. He received his most playing time in the previous game, totaling seven carries for 23 yards.

Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said he feels Blaylock is returning to his old self.

"He's really starting to look like the Tory that we all know, the Tory that we have seen play football before," Arbuckle said. "The Tory who showed up at South Carolina last year. He's starting to look like that again... I'm proud of how Tory has battled back from the setback he had early on in the season."

Blaylock's return to form could provide a timely boost for an Oklahoma offense that has struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack. Injuries have disrupted the Sooners' plan throughout the season, limiting continuity in both the running back room and on the offensive line. Getting Blaylock back to his previous level of production would give the offense another backfield option and potentially take some pressure off John Mateer.

As the Sooners prepare to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Blaylock will have a chance to build on his increased workload against Kentucky. The coaching staff will need to balance getting him more involved with ensuring he continues to recover, but his progress offers a reason for optimism. If Oklahoma gets healthier up front and its returning backs regain production, the ground game could become a more dependable part of the offense in the second half of the season.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Tory Blaylock shows signs of returning to pre-injury form