DiJonai Carrington Ejected in Controversial Game Against Indiana Fever

DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky faced ejection on Saturday after committing a Flagrant 2 foul against Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham. Carrington responded on social media by posting ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE,’ tagging the Fever. The incident occurred during the first quarter as Cunningham, who is white, attempted a fast-break layup. Carrington, who is Black, struck her in the head and neck, causing Cunningham to fall as the shot was completed.

Following the play, Cunningham quickly rose and confronted Carrington, shoving her before a teammate intervened. Officials reviewed the foul, determining it was a Flagrant 2 due to the windup, impact, and follow-through involved.

In the third quarter, Fever’s Caitlin Clark received a technical foul after colliding with a referee when moving out of bounds. This technical was Clark’s eighth of the season, resulting in a one-game suspension for the Fever’s next match. Clark expressed that the contact was unintentional, stating, ‘I have already watched it on the tape. So, we’ll let the league decide. But, it wasn’t anything intentional or anything. So, I hope it gets rescinded.’

Fever coach Stephanie White criticized the call, labeling it ‘a bad call.’ Cunningham, known for defending Clark against physical plays, has gained prominence this season. Last month, Cunningham publicly supported the exclusion of transgender girls and women from female sports, sparking minor protests at Fever games in Seattle and Portland.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the transgender issue in a memo, indicating ongoing discussions regarding transgender participation in women’s basketball.

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