Stephen A. Smith criticised Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White after White said she did not believe DiJonai Carrington intentionally struck Sophie Cunningham’s neck during a WNBA game. Smith argued that a head coach should defend her own player more forcefully, making the incident a fresh point of debate over player safety, officiating and team leadership.

Carrington was ejected after her foul on Cunningham was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, which carries an automatic ejection. Cunningham described the contact as unnecessary, while White said the call was correct but did not view the play as deliberate; Carrington later posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media in response to the decision.