Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington made headlines this week after taking to social media with a fiery response to fans who believed she was targeting Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
The drama started when Clark was involved in a heated exchange with Washington Mystics guard Julie Vanloo. During their matchup, Clark, visibly frustrated with Vanloo's tight defense, pushed her away. The two players exchanged words, and Clark’s Fever teammate Katie Lou Samuelson intervened to separate them.
Carrington, whose girlfriend NaLyssa Smith plays for the Fever, seemed to address the situation in a tweet that many interpreted as a swipe at Clark. In her message on X, Carrington wrote:
"But I’m a racist, jealous, c---, monkey, hatin a-- b---- who needs to go back to Africa when I do it huh? plssss. Like I said, this is basketball."
This post quickly drew attention and speculation from fans and media alike, with many wondering if Carrington was referring to Clark. However, Carrington later clarified her stance in a follow-up tweet, stating:
"1. Close!!! BUT no :/ my gf is on the fever … so I was trying to catch the rest of her game.
2. This has nothing to do w/ Caitlin. This has to do w/ how nasty yall fAnS are to call me ridiculous things for somethin that is literally jus mfers hoopin
3. I was still in my uniform."
Both the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever faced defeats in their recent games. The Sun lost a close game to the New York Liberty, 71-68, with Carrington contributing eight points and five rebounds. The Fever, despite Clark's standout performance of 29 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, and five steals, fell 89-84.
The ongoing tension between players and fan reactions underscores the intensity of the WNBA season and the scrutiny athletes face both on and off the court.
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