Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom isn’t just known for his basketball skills—this NBA Star Defied a Regime by boldly speaking out against Turkey’s authoritarian government. Now, he’s making waves again by accusing New York City Mayor Eric Adams of turning his back on him under pressure from the Turkish government.
Freedom vs. Erdoğan: How One NBA Star Defied a Regime
In a recent interview with NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports, Freedom revealed that Adams withdrew his support after being lobbied by Turkish officials. The crux of the issue? Freedom’s ties to the Gülen movement, a group despised by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who accuses them of orchestrating a failed coup in 2016—a claim the movement vehemently denies.
Adams is no stranger to controversy. He’s currently facing a federal indictment accusing him of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The 57-page document alleges that Adams accepted over $100,000 in illegal contributions from wealthy Turkish nationals and at least one government official. In exchange, Adams allegedly doled out political favors—one of which, according to Freedom, was severing ties with him and the Turkish-American grassroots organization in New York.
Freedom shared how excited Adams had once been about organizing free basketball camps for kids in New York. But after a 2022 trip to Greece, where both were invited to accept an award, Adams reportedly cut off communication, never following through on their plans. Freedom later learned that Turkish officials had warned Adams to avoid certain groups supporting democracy and human rights in Turkey—groups that Erdoğan sees as a threat.
This revelation shines a harsh light on the potential influence foreign governments can have on U.S. politics. According to the indictment, a Turkish official told Adams that to keep receiving support from the Turkish government, he needed to distance himself from the Turkish Cultural Center Brooklyn, an organization linked to the Gülen movement. Adams complied without hesitation.
Freedom’s battle against Turkey’s authoritarianism hasn’t come without a price. Turkey canceled his passport in 2017, and he narrowly escaped deportation from Romania during an international trip. Despite this, he continues to speak out against the Turkish regime, using his platform to champion human rights. Since 2022, he has remained unsigned in the NBA, which many speculate is due to his activism.
The situation puts a spotlight on the broader issue of foreign influence in American politics and the lengths some leaders might go to maintain power—often at the expense of democratic ideals. As the indictment unfolds, Adams will have much to answer for, especially if Freedom’s claims hold water.
This story is riddled with layers of corruption, international intrigue, and the intertwining of sports with politics. It’s alarming to see a mayor allegedly swayed by foreign powers, highlighting how even local politics isn’t immune to global influence. Freedom’s outspoken defiance of Turkey’s regime adds a personal, emotional depth to the narrative, making him more than just an athlete—he’s a symbol of resistance.
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