N-word and r**e threats for WNBA player DiJonai Carrington after facing Caitlin Clark
Connecticut Sun's DiJonai Carrington was subject to threats online after accidentally poking Caitlin Clark's eye during a WNBA playoffs game.
DiJonai Carrington and Caitlin Clark at the WNBA playoffs
Caitlin Clark playing in her maiden WNBA playoff game should have been the only headline-generating story in recent days. Instead, that narrative was overshadowed when Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington allegedly poked her eye. Fans began to point out the alleged hatred other players had for the Indiana Fever rookie while Carrington had it worse.
Many accused Carrington of intentionally trying to hurt Caitlin Clark. A journalist even tried to coax her into answering on those lines to continue the narrative. She maintained her poise and managed to sidestep those attempts. But Carrington’s worries did not end there. She shared a post on her social media showing the abuse she has been receiving.
Worthless n***** b***h. I hope someone r***s you and c**s your head off
The message to DiJonai Carrington read
While the sender’s name was not visible, it shed some light on what players are subjected to if fans feel they are in the wrong.
Ahead of Game 2, a senior reporter even tried to force the narrative onto Carrington when asking questions. But she kept calm and answered everything professionally. Later, Clark dismissed any suggestions that Carrington deliberately tried to hurt her. However, it did not stop fans present at Game 2 from doing after Carrington.
DiJonai Carrington gets support from her head coach
Fully aware of what transpired with DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White refused to keep mum about it. In the post-game press conference, she took the opportunity to defend her player and called out the trolls online. White also said that the media allowing such things to become news is part of the problem now.
I think we’ve seen a lot of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia throughout the course of our country. Sport is no exception, and it’s unacceptable to be quite honest. I feel like we have allowed trolls on social media to frame the narrative of what the story is. It’s unacceptable and we have to do a better job.
Stephanie White said
Stephanie White spoke extensively on the hate her players (and other W players) have faced:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) September 26, 2024
“We in the media have to do a better job of not allowing trolls in social media to become the story. I feel like we have allowed trolls in social media to frame the narrative of what the… pic.twitter.com/DnnS0DINlC
This comes on the back of Alyssa Thomas, a player who is generally shy and quiet, speaking up against what Carrington was facing online. She said that fans who attack players should not be coming to games. All in all, it seems the WNBA needs to address this problem sooner than later. As such attacks if not controlled could end up harming someone.
Joseph Varghese
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