The WNBA is facing questions about its disciplinary consistency following its handling of two separate incidents involving player comments. In one instance, Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever" on social media shortly after being ejected from a game. In another, Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was suspended within 24 hours for calling a player a "protected species," a comment that was interpreted racially.
Carrington was ejected from a game against the Indiana Fever on Saturday afternoon after committing a Flagrant 2 foul on Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Moments later, Carrington posted her comment on Threads. The WNBA did not publicly respond to multiple requests for comment from news outlets regarding Carrington's post, nor has it announced any disciplinary action against her. Carrington subsequently played in the Sky's game against the Seattle Storm on Monday night.
This contrasts with the league's swift action against Brondello. On July 17, Brondello used the phrase "protected species" after a foul was called on her player, Nyara Sabally. While Brondello, who is Australian, stated the phrase is a common sports idiom for an athlete perceived to receive favorable treatment, Angel Reese, a Black player for the opposing team, interpreted it through a racial lens and posted "ARE WE SURPRISED." Brondello apologized the following day, acknowledging her words had an impact beyond her intention, particularly for Black women in the league. Despite the apology, the WNBA suspended Brondello for one game without pay on July 18, citing her comment as "inappropriate" and stating that coaches and personnel are expected to uphold the "highest standards of professionalism and respect."
Questions have arisen regarding the WNBA's stated commitment to consistent application of its rules and disciplinary processes. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously told Congress that "In all instances, the League seeks to apply the WNBA rulebook and applicable disciplinary processes consistently across all games and for all players." The league has not publicly explained the difference in its response to the two incidents.
Carrington, when pressed on her comment, stated that the assessment of the foul was not what she was referring to and insisted she had evidence to support her use of the term "white privilege," though she did not clarify the specific accusation or target. The WNBA has not commented on whether it has spoken with Carrington or is reviewing the matter for potential discipline, leaving the league's stance on explicitly race-based allegations from players unclear.