US President Donald Trump has pledged to issue a full pardon to Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman and former NBA big man Enes Kanter Freedom, purportedly to clear the way for them to pursue professional WNBA careers. During a rally held on Thursday in Durant, Oklahoma, the 47th US president discussed the involvement of men in women’s athletics and specifically referenced the two former NBA players as potential additions to the league. He won five NBA championships and is widely regarded as one of the best rebounding big men in history.
Trump highlighted Enes Kanter Freedom, who spent two and a half seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In August, amid ongoing public discourse regarding transgender inclusion in the WNBA, Freedom announced his intent to enter the 2027 draft. He has claimed that he identifies as a woman and satisfies the necessary league eligibility requirements. On Friday, Freedom posted a video clip of Trump claiming that he and Rodman would be the only men permitted to compete in women’s sports under this proposal.
Addressing the 65-year-old Rodman, Trump praised his legendary career, including his collegiate experience in Oklahoma. While Trump noted Rodman’s time at Oklahoma State University, records show the five-time NBA champion actually played for Southeastern Oklahoma State from 1983 to 1986. Rodman, who retired from the NBA in 2000 after a 14-season career, has not expressed any personal interest in returning to professional basketball or playing in the WNBA.
The push by Freedom joins a similar move by Royce White, who has also declared interest in joining the WNBA. White has publicly stated that he identifies as a transgender woman and has been an advocate for transgender inclusion in sports. These developments arrive against a backdrop of intense public scrutiny surrounding the WNBA, including recent controversies involving fanbases and analyst commentary on stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson. Most toxic fanbase in sports” – Fans Erupt As WNBA Analyst Reveals Caitlin Clark Supporter Threatening To Leak Her Address Over Fever Star Comment.
