The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has issued a scathing statement condemning USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan for her questioning of Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington. The controversy arose from an incident during Game 1 of the Sun's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever, where Carrington unintentionally poked Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the eye while attempting to block a pass.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Despite both players confirming that the eye poke was not intentional, Brennan asked Carrington during a media availability if she had meant to hit Clark in the eye. Carrington denied any intent, stating, 'I don't even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye. That doesn't even make sense to me. But, no, I didn't... I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through and hit her. It's never intentional; thats not the kind of player I am.'
The WNBPA criticized Brennan's line of questioning, accusing her of attempting to bait Carrington into engaging in a false narrative designed to fuel racist, homophobic, and misogynistic vitriol on social media. Carrington, who identifies as both Black and lesbian, received a threatening and racist email following the interview, which she shared on social media.
WNBPA's Response
Terri Carmichael Jackson, the executive director of the WNBPA, strongly condemned Brennan's actions. Jackson stated that Brennan's interview was 'a blatant attempt to bait a professional athlete into participating in a narrative that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic, and misogynistic vitriol on social media.' The WNBPA called on USA Today to review its ethical standards and demanded accountability for Brennan's actions.
The WNBPA also urged the WNBA to review its media policies to protect players from similar incidents. The statement emphasized the importance of professionalism in media coverage, asserting that players are entitled to better treatment and that the media's relationship with the players must be strengthened to grow the game.
Reaction and Aftermath
USA Today responded by rejecting the idea that the interview supported any narrative other than capturing the player's viewpoint directly. However, Brennan's only public comment on the matter was a brief statement on her X account, where she defended her questioning as part of journalistic practice, saying, 'I will continue to ask questions and seek answers. Its Journalism 101.'
The WNBA has stated that it is actively monitoring threats directed at players and will involve law enforcement as needed. As the Connecticut Sun prepare for their semifinal clash with the Minnesota Lynx, the WNBPA has made it clear that they stand firmly in support of their players, demanding better protection and fairness in media coverage.
