WNBPA issues scathing statement accusing USA Today columnist of interview 'designed to fuel' racism

Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas and head coach Stephanie White talk to reporters about racism toward players after their Game 2 win.

The Women's National Basketball Players Association issued a scathing statement Friday calling out USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan by name over an interview with Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington that the union claims fueled "racist, homophobic and misogynistic vitriol" online.   

Carrington, 26, shared a screenshot of an offensive email she received on her social media prior to Game 2 of the Sun’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever. The email directed a racial slur and threats at Carrington. 

DiJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun brings the ball up court in the second quarter against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena Sept. 19, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

The email followed an incident between Carrington and Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the first quarter of Game 1 Sunday afternoon. Carrington appeared to hit Clark in the eye while trying to block a pass. No foul was called on the play, and Clark later said she didn’t believe the interaction was "intentional." 

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During an on-court interview with Carrington Tuesday, Brennan asked if Carrington intended to hit Clark in the eye. 

"I don’t even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye," Carrington said. "That doesn’t even make sense to me. But, no, I didn’t. I didn’t know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through, and I hit her. So, obviously, it’s never intentional. That’s not even like the type of player that I am."

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts