While NBA players are embroiled in their own political skirmishes – usually involving a certain controversial president, most famously involving the Golden State Warriors and their unilateral boycott of a White House visit – that all pales in comparison with the New York Knicks big man Enes Kanter. Or should we say Enes Gülen?
The former Utah Jazz first round pick and Oklahoma City Thunder (which explains his visit during Game 5), is an avid supporter of Fethullah Gülen's Hizmet Movement and an outspoken critic of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. As such, this has led to the 6-11 center being detained in a Romanian airport, disowned by his family (hence his adoption of the Gülen surname), and is being threatened by the government with a four-year imprisonment.
On top of that list, is the revocation of his passport. Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript asked the former Kentucky Wildcat his thoughts on that, and if he plans on visiting any other country soon.
Have you made any ground in terms of getting your citizenship? (Kanter's native country, Turkey, canceled his passport this past summer.)
“I got my green card when I was with [the] Thunder two summers ago. So, I’m just still waiting. But I have my special document. I can visit countries. It doesn’t mean I’m going to.”Is it a bad idea to visit other countries still?
“Before I get citizenship, yes. That’d be ugly. It wouldn’t be cool, especially before I sign my contract. Then, maybe go. If I die, at least let me get the money.”
The eight-year pro has a player option for this year worth slightly above $18-million and is expected to opt in and play out the final year of his contract and test free agency. Whether it is still with the Knicks remains to be seen.
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