Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has defended DiJonai Carrington following her ejection for a flagrant 2 foul on Chicago Sky player Sophie Cunningham during Saturday's game. White, who previously coached Carrington with the Connecticut Sun, acknowledged the severity of the foul but expressed belief that Carrington's intent was not malicious.
"I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did. But it did happen and I thought it was the right call," White said postgame.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter as Cunningham, a reserve for the Fever, was nearing the basket in transition. Carrington made contact with Cunningham's neck area, leading to the flagrant foul call. Cunningham reacted by shoving Carrington, and the two players had to be separated.
White characterized Carrington as a fierce competitor. "One of the things about [Carrington] is that she’s gonna play her butt off, man," White stated. "She’s gonna compete. Nobody’s gonna go walking in for a layup. And so, I don’t oppose the hard foul."
Cunningham, speaking to reporters after the game, indicated that the incident had no racial implications and suggested Carrington might have had underlying issues. "I guess she has some pent-up stuff," Cunningham commented. She also noted that the foul had nothing to do with race, referencing a similar incident last season where she was ejected for a comparable foul.
Carrington, playing in her fifth game for the Sky this season after recovering from a foot sprain, made a social media post alluding to the next meeting between the Fever and the Sky on August 23. Cunningham, who has been a subject of league discussion for past comments on transgender athletes, finished Saturday's game with three points and two steals in 17 minutes.
The Fever secured a 20-12 record with the win, positioning them fourth in the WNBA standings. Their next game is Tuesday against the New York Liberty.