Kanter's father disowns him for his political affiliation

Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter has been disowned by his family for his continued support of Fethullah Gulen, a former Turkish imam currently living in self-imposed exile in the United States.

Turkish publication Daily Sabah reports Kanter's father, Mehmet, released a public letter disowning his son for supporting the Gulen movement, writing: "I apologize to the Turkish people and the president for having such a son."

Views differ dramatically on Gulen's political purpose and means, but incumbent Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan - a one-time ally - has decried the Gulen movement, accusing it of inciting terrorism and holding it responsible for the failed coup on July 15 that left nearly 300 people dead and thousands more injured. Gulen vehemently denied having any involvement in the coup.

Daily Sabah subsequently reached out to Mehmet, who told the outlet: "His statements and behavior trouble our family. I told Enes that we would disown him should he not change his course. He did not care."

Enes played basketball for Istanbul-based Fenerbahce for several years before moving to the U.S. for prep school, college, and ultimately, the NBA. He has been outspoken on social media about his support for Gulen and disdain for Erdogan, whose government was investigated on corruption charges in 2013.

"I would not have taken Enes to the U.S. for the basketball camp where his talent was discovered had I known that it would come to this point," Mehmet said.

Enes signed a four-year, $70-million deal with the Thunder last summer.