DiJonai Carrington, who declared ‘White privilege’ after ejection, plays vs Storm as WNBA remains silent
DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky was allowed to play against the Seattle Storm on Monday night after the WNBA imposed no discipline over an incident days earlier, in which she was ejected for a flagrant foul on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and subsequently posted about "White privilege" on social media. The episode has drawn criticism, including from former NFL players, and has fuelled a broader debate about player conduct and the league's handling of on-court incidents, with commentators arguing the WNBA's silence sends a troubling signal.
The foul occurred during Saturday's game against the Fever, when Carrington struck Cunningham in the face and was given a Flagrant 2, resulting in her ejection. She later referenced "White privilege" in a post on Threads, though the exact meaning of the remark has remained unclear even after she responded to follow-up questions. With no suspension or fine announced by the league, Carrington was free to take the court again just two days later against Seattle.
- Carrington played Monday despite no WNBA discipline after her ejection.
- She was ejected Saturday for a flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham.
- Her "White privilege" social media post has drawn criticism and controversy.
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DiJonai Carrington is a guard for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, the top women's professional basketball league in the United States. She has become the subject of controversy following an on-court incident against the Indiana Fever, which she followed up with a comment on social media that drew wide attention and criticism.
The dispute centres on a "flagrant foul," a basketball penalty given when contact is judged to be excessive or unnecessary rather than a normal part of play. A Flagrant 2, the more serious version, results in an automatic ejection from the game, which is what happened to Carrington after she struck Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during their match. The WNBA has the authority to impose further punishment, such as a fine or suspension, but had not done so as of the events described.
The story matters because it touches on questions of player discipline, how leagues respond to incidents involving race, and whether the WNBA is applying its own conduct rules consistently. Sophie Cunningham and the Fever, along with commentators and former athletes from other sports, feature in the wider discussion, but the central figures are Carrington, the league itself, and the decision not to act.