The Women's National Basketball Players Association issued a scathing assertion Friday calling out USA Today sports activities columnist Christine Brennan by title over an interview with Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington that the union claims fueled “racist, homophobic and misogynistic vitriol” on-line.
Carrington, 26, shared a screenshot of an offensive e-mail she obtained on her social media previous to Game 2 of the Sun’s first-round playoff sequence in opposition to the Indiana Fever. The e-mail directed a racial slur and threats at Carrington.
DiJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun brings the ball up court docket within the second quarter in opposition to the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena Sept. 19, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
The e-mail adopted an incident between Carrington and Fever rookie Caitlin Clark within the first quarter of Game 1 Sunday afternoon. Carrington appeared to hit Clark within the eye whereas attempting to dam a go. No foul was known as on the play, and Clark later mentioned she didn’t imagine the interplay was “intentional.”
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During an on-court interview with Carrington Tuesday, Brennan requested if Carrington supposed to hit Clark within the eye.
“I don’t even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye,” Carrington mentioned. “That doesn’t even make sense to me. But, no, I didn’t. I didn’t know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through, and I hit her. So, obviously, it’s never intentional. That’s not even like the type of player that I am.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts after getting hit within the eye throughout Game 1 of the primary spherical of the 2024 WNBA playoffs in opposition to the Connecticut Sun Sept. 22, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
The WNBPA launched an announcement Wednesday after Sun star Alyssa Thomas known as out Indiana Fever followers over alleged racism in the course of the postgame presser.
“This week was dedicated to celebrating and amplifying A'ja, Caitlin, DiJonai, and Napheesa for their hard work and truly exceptional performances all season long. We were not going to distract from their successes, nor would we dim the glow of the spotlight that centered them. They have earned that focus and celebration. But we will take this moment now to stand up for them and the rest of our members. Every single one of them. Because we call B.S.,” the WNBPA’s assertion started.
SUN STAR ALYSSA THOMAS RIPS FEVER FANS OVER ALLEGED RACISM AFTER ELIMINATING INDIANA FROM WNBA PLAYOFFS
“To unprofessional members of the media like Christine Brennan: You are not fooling anyone. That so-called interview in the name of journalism was a blatant attempt to bait a professional athlete into participating in a narrative that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic, and misogynistic vitriol on social media. You cannot hide behind your tenure.”
The assertion went on to accuse Brennan of “abus[ing] your privileges,” including she does “not deserve the credentials issued to you.” The union additionally known as on the USA Today to take motion.
USA Today columnist Christine Brennan asks a query at a Team USA press convention in the course of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games on the Main Press Centre. (Shanna Lockwood/USA Today Sports)
“We call on USA Today Network to review its Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms and address what we believe is a violation of several core principles, including seeking and reporting the truth. USA Today Sports should explain why a reporter with clear bias and ulterior motives was assigned to cover the league. We also urge the league to review its policies and take measures to prevent such issues, protecting the integrity of the game and its players.”
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Brennan didn't instantly reply to Fox News Digital’s request for remark.
Following Thomas’ remarks Wednesday, the WNBA launched an announcement saying the league is “actively monitoring threat-related activity” and can contain regulation enforcement “as necessary.”
“The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league. League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary.”
The Sun begins its semifinal sequence in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx Sunday.
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