Enes Kanter is now a man without a country.
After having his Turkish passport canceled, he can no longer be associated with his homeland. But, he is not an American citizen either. Argo, he has no country.
How did this all happen?
It started when Kanter publicized his displeasure with the current government in Turkey. Turkey is in political disarray right now, and Kanter, who is popular in Turkey, not siding with the current government did not bode well for him.
So, while he was in Indonesia conducting a basketball clinic, at Turkey’s request, Indonesia sent secret service agents and some members of their army to arrest Kanter. Kanter’s agent, who was with him in Indonesia, discovered Turkey’s plan and convinced Kanter that he should flee the country. And that’s exactly what he did.
Kanter made it to Romania, but that is where his trek would come to a halt because Turkey canceled his passport. He was now stranded in Romania and couldn’t leave the country.
"I'm just one example, there are thousands of examples out there even worse than my story." – @Enes_Kanter pic.twitter.com/7wxHA7Y8K4
— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) May 22, 2017
Through these troubling times, Twitter, believe it or not, was helpful in this situation.
Enes sent out a video of him talking about his situation and where he was.
I'm being held at Romanian airport by Police!! pic.twitter.com/uYZMBqKx54
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) May 20, 2017
Thankfully, due to his celebrity status in the United States and his U.S. green card, Kanter made a triumphant return back to the States.
All good baby!
Gonna give press conference tomorrow in NY.
Got lots of things to say with lots of crazy stories.
Be ready!!!
Ohhh Yeeahhh pic.twitter.com/CXktUXk2PS— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) May 20, 2017
All good baby.
According to ESPN, Kanter would like to become a U.S. citizen. Considering he is country-less, this may be the right move for Kanter.
It was quite a weekend for Enes Kanter.
