WNBA players clash after flagrant foul leads to ejection and social media controversy

Sophie Cunningham said the contact from Chicago Sky forward DiJonáï Carrington during a layup attempt was intentional, after Carrington was ejected in the first half of the Indiana Fever's 90-86 victory on Saturday.

"Clearly, I think it was unnecessary. I've never spoken to her and have no beef with her, but I think she has some pent-up stuff. It was intentional," Cunningham said, according to an ESPN report.

After the incident, the two players exchanged words before officials separated them. Carrington later posted the phrase "White Privilege" on the social platform Threads, tagging the Fever. Cunningham rejected the suggestion that race played a role, stating the league handled the matter and that she had faced a similar penalty previously.

Fever head coach Stephanie White said the foul was hard but did not believe Carrington intended to strike Cunningham's neck, while affirming the ejection was appropriate. "I don't think she intentionally went for the neck, but it did happen and I thought it was the right call," White said, declining further comment on the social-media post.

Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh also defended his player, noting he initially viewed the play as a normal contest for the ball and had not reviewed the replay. He declined to discuss the "White Privilege" comment.

The incident occurred amid ongoing public debate surrounding Cunningham's statements on gender-specific sports policies, which have drawn both supporters and protesters to recent games. Both players have previously been involved in on-court controversies with the Fever.