The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has taken issue with veteran sports reporter Christine Brennan following a controversial interaction during the Connecticut Sun’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever.
The incident began when Sun guard DiJonai Carrington inadvertently poked Caitlin Clark in the eye while attempting to swat the ball during a game. Afterward, Brennan, a columnist for USA Today, asked Carrington if she had intentionally hit Clark. Both Carrington and Clark denied any intent to harm, but Brennan pressed further, asking Carrington if she had been laughing about the incident on the court. This line of questioning has sparked significant backlash from WNBA players and fans.
Reports indicate that WNBA players are upset with Brennan for her persistence in questioning Carrington, who has since faced online harassment from fans accusing her of intentionally injuring Clark. The incident has grown into a larger controversy, with players accusing Brennan of fueling a harmful narrative.
According to The Washington Post‘s Ben Strauss, the WNBPA has called on the league to revoke Brennan’s press credential, stating that her questioning crossed the line of journalistic integrity. In a strongly worded statement, the WNBPA criticized Brennan for her actions, accusing her of promoting a divisive agenda.
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“To unprofessional members of the media like Christine Brennan: You are not fooling anyone. That so-called interview in the name of journalism 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 statement read. “You cannot hide behind your tenure. You have abused your privileges and do not deserve the credentials issued to you.”
The WNBPA’s statement reflects broader frustration within the league, particularly with how Brennan’s questions seemingly centered on Clark, a white player, and ignored the complexities of the situation involving Carrington, a Black athlete. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, expressed dismay at the focus on Clark and suggested that Brennan’s line of questioning was reductive and out of place.
“It was exhausting,” Ogwumike said. “There was no reason to center that conversation on Caitlin. It was a disservice to the history of this league and what these players have accomplished.”
Adding to the controversy, Brennan is reportedly writing an unauthorized book about Caitlin Clark, which has raised further questions about her motivations in covering WNBA stories. Gregory Lee Jr., a former editor at The Athletic and now a college professor, echoed the concerns of many, suggesting that Brennan’s coverage of Clark has gone too far. “The way she’s covering Caitlin Clark, you’re asking, ‘Is she Caitlin Clark’s PR agent?’” Lee told The Washington Post.
The fallout from the incident also included a confrontation between DeWanna Bonner, another Connecticut Sun player, and Brennan. After witnessing Brennan’s questioning of Carrington, Bonner reportedly approached the reporter to express her dissatisfaction. Despite the backlash, Brennan has defended her actions, calling her inquiry “journalism 101.”
“This is something I’ve done throughout my career,” Brennan said in response to the criticism. “I think every other journalist has done the same.”
As of now, USA Today has not taken action against Brennan and is expected to request a credential for her to cover the WNBA Finals.
However, the situation has highlighted broader issues within sports journalism, particularly around how female athletes of color are treated and portrayed in the media.
The WNBPA’s response underscores a growing awareness within the league of how narratives can shape public perception, and their demand for accountability is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
