During the Indiana Fever’s playoff series against the Connecticut Sun, star rookie Caitlin Clark found herself at the center of controversy after an incident with Sun guard DiJonai Carrington left her with a black eye. The moment occurred as Carrington attempted to defend Clark, accidentally poking her in the eye.
The play immediately stirred debate among fans, with some accusing Carrington of deliberately targeting the Fever’s rising star. However, Carrington was quick to shut down any suggestions that her actions were intentional.
“I don’t even know why I would intentionally hit anybody in the eye,” Carrington said, addressing the backlash. “It doesn’t even make sense to me. I didn’t even know I hit her, honestly. I was just trying to make a play on the ball and, unfortunately, I followed through and hit her. It was never intentional.”
The tension surrounding the incident remained a talking point, but the second game between the Fever and Sun saw fewer controversial moments on the court. Despite Caitlin Clark’s impressive 25-point performance, the Fever fell short and were eliminated from the playoffs after an 87-81 loss to the Sun, bringing their season to a close.
However, the controversy took a darker turn off the court. Fever forward NaLyssa Smith revealed after the game that DiJonai Carrington had been receiving death threats on social media since the eye-poke incident. Smith, who shares a close personal relationship with Carrington beyond basketball, was deeply upset by the threats and publicly defended her girlfriend on social media.
“Now that I can respond freely, my girlfriend has been getting death threats, followed, called all type of [expletive],” Smith posted on X (formerly Twitter). “So if sending her flowers to make sure her mental health is okay, then cool, cry about it.”
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The news of the threats quickly caught the attention of the wider basketball community, leading to widespread condemnation of the toxic behavior displayed by some fans. The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) also issued a strong response to the disturbing situation, emphasizing that there is no place for such hate in the game or in society.
In a powerful statement, the WNBPA’s executive director addressed the ongoing issue of harassment faced by players. “There is absolutely no place in sport—or in life—for the vile hate, racist language, homophobic comments, and misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media,” she said. “This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked. It demands immediate action, and frankly, should have been addressed long ago.”
The statement continued to highlight the broader implications of the situation. “Let’s be clear: fandom should lift up the game, not tear down the very people who bring it to life. Racism, and the toll it takes on everyone, is NEVER tolerable, let alone justifiable, in the name of economic growth. This is about more than just basketball—it’s about respect, accountability, and setting the standard for what we will and will not accept in our sport and society.”
The WNBA Players Association’s forceful condemnation sends a clear message that the league and its players are united in standing against hateful and threatening behavior, whether directed at Carrington or any other player.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the WNBA itself will step in to provide Carrington with additional support or take further measures to address the ongoing harassment. The league has made strides in creating a positive and inclusive environment, but this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes still face from toxic fan behavior.
For now, Carrington, Clark, and their teammates will have to navigate both the highs and lows of professional sports, but the hope is that the WNBA will continue to foster a space where players are protected and respected, both on and off the court.
