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The National Women’s Basketball Players Association on Friday criticized USA Today sports columnist Kristin Brennan by name over her interview with Connecticut Sun Guard’s DeJonai Carrington, saying the association was “racist” online. , released a scathing statement alleging that he had incited “homophobic and misogynistic abuse.”
Carrington, 26, shared a screenshot of the offensive email he received on his social media before Game 2 of the Sun’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever. The email directed racial slurs and threats against Carrington.
DeJonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun brings the ball up the court during the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on September 19, 2024. (Mike Lowry/Getty Images)
The email followed an incident between Carrington and Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the first quarter of Game 1 on Sunday afternoon. Carrington appeared to hit Clark in the eye while attempting to block a pass. No foul was called on the play, but Clark later said the interaction was not “intentional.”
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In an on-court interview with Carrington on Tuesday, Brennan asked whether Carrington intended to punch Clark in the eye.
“I don’t even know why people would try to punch someone in the eye,” Carrington said. “That doesn’t make sense to me either. But no, it didn’t make sense. In fact, I didn’t know I hit her. I was trying to play ball, so I followed suit. I think so, and so obviously it was never intentional that I hit her.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin reacts after being punched in the eye during Game 1 against Connecticut in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 22, 2024 in Uncasville, CT.・Clark (M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon) Sportswire (via Getty Images)
The WNBPA released a statement Wednesday after Sun Stars’ Alyssa Thomas accused Indiana Fever fans of racism during a postgame press conference.
“This week is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and truly exceptional performances of Aja, Caitlin, Dijonai, and Nafeesa throughout the season. We did not intend to take away from their successes and “They have earned that attention and celebration, and we will use this moment to defend them and all of our remaining members,” the WNBPA’s statement begins. I did.
Sunstar’s Alyssa Thomas slams rabid fans with racism allegations after knocking Indiana out of WNBA playoffs
“To non-professional media people like Christine Brennan: You are not fooling anyone. That so-called interview in the guise of journalism deceived a professional athlete and made racist comments. It was a blatant attempt to engage in a false narrative that fuels partisanship. Homophobic and misogynistic rants on social media cannot be hidden behind tenure.”
The statement further accused Brennan of “abuse.”[ing] The union also called on USA Today to take action.
USA Today columnist Christine Brennan asks a question during the USA team’s press conference at the main press center during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. (Shana Lockwood/USA Today Sports)
“We call on the USA Today Network to review its newsroom’s principles of ethical conduct and address perceived violations of several core principles, including the pursuit of truth and reporting. USA Today Sports must explain why its reporters have obvious bias and ulterior motives. We will review our league policies and take steps to prevent such problems and protect the integrity of the game and our players. I request you to do so. ”
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Brennan did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Following Thomas’ comments on Wednesday, the WNBA issued a statement saying the league is “actively monitoring activity related to threats” and will involve law enforcement “as appropriate.”
“The WNBA is a highly competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. We welcome the expansion of our fan base, but the WNBA is a racist and derogatory league against players, teams, and league officials.” , or threatening comments.” League security actively monitors threat-related activity and works directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate action, including involving law enforcement as appropriate. We plan to take appropriate measures. ”
The Sun begin their semifinal series against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.
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