Women’s National Basketball Players Association Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington issued a scathing statement Friday criticizing USA TODAY sports columnist Christine Brennan by name in an interview that the union claims has promoted “racist, homophobic and misogynistic vitriol” online.
Carrington, 26, shared a screenshot of an incriminating email he received on his social media ahead of Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Suns. Indiana fever. The emails included racial slurs and threats directed at Carrington.
The Connecticut Sun’s Dijonai Carrington brings the ball up the court in the second quarter against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 19, 2024 in Uncasville, Conn. (Mike Lowry/Getty Images)
The email came after an incident between Carrington and the Fever rookie Caitlin Clark Game 1 in the first quarter Sunday afternoon. It appeared that Carrington hit Clark in the eye while trying to intercept a pass. No foul was called on the play, and Clark later said he did not believe the conversation was “intentional.”
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During an on-court interview with Carrington on Tuesday, Brennan asked if Carrington intended to hit Clark in the eye.
“I don’t even know why I would intend to hit someone in the eye,” Carrington said. “It doesn’t even mean anything to me. But, no, I didn’t do it. I didn’t know I actually hit him. I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I think I made it.” Followed, and I hit him. So obviously, it was never intentional. That’s not the kind of player I am.”
Indiana Fever guard Kaitlin Clark reacts after being hit in the eye during Game 1 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, Conn. (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The WNBPA released a statement Wednesday after Suns star Alyssa Thomas called out Indiana Fever fans over alleged racism during a postgame presser.
“This week was dedicated to celebrating and exalting Aja, Kaitlynn, DiJonai and Nafisa for their hard work and truly exceptional performances throughout the season. We weren’t going to distract from their successes, nor were we going to take away the glare of the spotlight. “This will reduce the focus. He has earned that attention and celebration. But now we will stand up for him and the rest of our members, because we call BS.”
“To non-professional members of the media like Christine Brennan: You are not fooling anyone. That so-called interview in the name of journalism was a blatant attempt to provoke a professional athlete into participating in a story that is false and Designed to promote racism.” Anti-homophobic and misogynistic vitriol on social media. You can’t hide behind your tenure.”
The statement accused Brennan of “abusing your privileges,” adding that he “does not deserve the credentials issued to you.” The union also called on USA TODAY to take action.
USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan asks a question at the Team USA press conference during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in the main press center. (Shanna Lockwood/USA TODAY Sports)
“We ask the USA TODAY Network to review its principles of ethical conduct for newsrooms and address what we believe are violations of several core principles, including seeking and reporting the truth. USA TODAY TODAY Sports must explain why a reporter with obvious bias and ulterior motives was assigned to cover the league. We call on the league to review its policies and protect the integrity of the game and its players. We also urge you to take measures to prevent this.”
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Brennan did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Following Thomas’ comments on Wednesday, the WNBA released a statement saying the league is “actively monitoring threat-related activity” and will involve law enforcement “as necessary.”
“The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. While we welcome the growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments about players, teams and anyone associated with the league. “League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures to include law enforcement as necessary.”
The Suns begin their semifinal series against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.
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