Cunningham Rejects Race Claims After Carrington Ejection, Calls Out Attention-Seeking

Sophie Cunningham responded forcefully to Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington following Saturday’s Indiana Fever victory, which ended 90-86. Carrington was thrown out of the contest during the opening half after striking Cunningham across the face while she attempted a layup, setting off a heated confrontation that required referees to separate the two players.

Cunningham characterized the contact as deliberate and motivated by a desire for public attention. She noted that Carrington, who did not play for Chicago the previous season, appeared intent on generating headlines given the national television broadcast of the matchup. “I don’t even know her,” Cunningham told ESPN, describing the interaction as unprovoked and questioning why Carrington would resort to such tactics.

In the aftermath of her ejection, Carrington posted “White Privilege” on Threads and tagged the Fever organization. Cunningham directly countered this assertion, stating the ejection had nothing to do with race and noting she herself had been ejected for a similar infraction the previous year. “There’s no reason even to play that card,” she added.

Fever coach Stephanie White acknowledged the flagrant foul call was appropriate but suggested Carrington did not intentionally target Cunningham’s neck area. White, who previously coached Carrington with the Connecticut Sun, declined to address the social media post. Sky coach Tyler Marsh similarly defended his player’s competitiveness while suggesting the flagrant-2 ejection may have been excessive.

The incident comes as Cunningham continues to draw attention for her advocacy protecting women’s sports participation. A fourth rally in her support occurred outside Saturday’s venue, while counterprotesters also assembled. The controversy is expected to intensify ahead of an Aug. 22 matchup against the New York Liberty, for which another demonstration is already scheduled.

Carrington has maintained a contentious relationship with Indiana beyond this weekend. During the 2024 playoffs, she struck star guard Caitlin Clark in the eye during a defensive play, an incident both players characterized as accidental despite subsequent scrutiny. Carrington has also drawn criticism for characterizing Indiana fans as “the nastiest” in the league following online racist harassment she received.