Chicago Sky forward ejected after hard foul on Indiana Fever player, posts controversial comment on social media
DiJonai Carrington was expelled from a WNBA game for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham and later posted the phrase “white privilege” on social media, prompting reactions from players and coaches.
Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington was ejected during Saturday night’s game against the Indiana Fever after officials upgraded a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham to a Flagrant 2. The foul occurred in the first quarter when Carrington, coming from behind, struck Cunningham in the head and neck as she attempted a fast-break layup, causing Cunningham to fall to the court.
Cunningham, who described the foul as “unnecessary,” said she believed it was intentional and that she had no prior conflict with Carrington. Fever head coach Stephanie White called the play a hard foul but did not allege premeditation, adding that she thought the call was appropriate.
After the incident, Carrington posted the words “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media and tagged the Fever. Sky coach Tyler Marsh said he had not reviewed the replay and, based on the live action, believed Carrington was making a play on the ball and did not think a Flagrant 2 was warranted. He declined to comment further on the social-media post, indicating the team would address it later.
Cunningham responded that the league would handle the matter and asserted the issue was unrelated to race. In the same game, Fever guard Caitlin Clark received a technical foul for contact with a referee, marking her eighth technical of the season and triggering a one-game suspension for the Fever’s next matchup. Clark said the contact was inadvertent and hoped the league would rescind the foul.
The incident adds to ongoing discussions about player conduct and disciplinary actions within the WNBA.