A week after the Turkish government put a huge bounty on his head, Enes Kanter Freedom says death threats are coming in on his Instagram account.
The New York Post reported Jan. 12 that the Turkish government had put Freedom on a terrorist wanted list. The 30-year-old Freedom has been an outspoken critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s repressive regime, calling him “the Hitler of our century.”
The bounty, for “information leading to the capture” of Freedom, is for the equivalent of $500,000.
The former NBA star, who most recently played in the league last season for the Boston Celtics, posted on Instagram some of the threats he’s received.
“You will never be able to leave American and go to other countries because we’ll be waiting to shoot you in the head,” one threat said. “I hope I’ll be worthy of this task, you mother——.”
“We will cut your head off of your body and feed it to dogs you traitor,” read another.
Freedom also noted users have posted memes making light of his situation.
“While the memes are funny, this bounty is no joke,” Freedom posted on his Instagram. “The FBI is on my case collecting data daily on the dangerous people being hired to murder me. Be aware when you post as a joke, it’s collected into the data pool …”
Freedom said last week he’s in constant contact with local police and the FBI.
“I’m being protected 24/7,” he said.
The 6-10 center played 11 NBA seasons, averaging 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.