Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in order to ensure that Portland Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter would be safe if his team were to travel north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals.
Wyden's letter was sent on behalf of Kanter to “encourage safe passage” for the Turkish big man for all games that would be played against the Raptors in Canada.
“I ask your government to facilitate Mr. Kanter's safe passage to and from Canada should the Portland Trail Blazers play the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, Canada, in the upcoming NBA Finals,” the letter states, via ESPN. “I also urge your government to state publicly that it will not comply with any Interpol red notice meant to interfere with Mr. Kanter's livelihood and to intimidate him and his family back in Turkey.”
Kanter is notably considered to be an enemy of the current governmental regime in Turkey and leaving United States soil — even traveling to Canada — puts his life in extreme jeopardy.
“I have full confidence to myself and my team to win the Western Conference finals,” Kanter recently told ESPN. “Going to Toronto will be a bit hectic for me for the reasons you know, and I know Senator Wyden is working hard to make sure that I can make it and I really appreciate it.”
Kanter and the Blazers are currently gearing up to take on the Golden State Warriors, with the aforementioned Raptors looking to fend off the Milwaukee Bucks.
Follow Us
Subscribe