Watch: WNBA Player Ejected After Nearly Taking Off Sophie Cunningham’s Head With Clothesline Maneuver
A recent incident in the WNBA involved Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington violently clotheslining Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham during a game, which led to her being ejected and assessed a flagrant foul. Carrington later claimed that her actions and the subsequent ejection were examples of “white privilege,” sparking controversy and media attention. The incident occurred as Cunningham was attempting a layup, and Carrington swung her arm, hitting Cunningham in the face and neck. Cunningham responded aggressively but was ultimately ready to continue playing.
The event drew criticism from fans,players,and lawmakers. Several members of Congress voiced concerns about aggressive and violent behavior in the league, especially towards Caitlin Clark, and suggested that some attacks might be racially motivated. They criticized the WNBA for failing to adequately address violence and misconduct among players. The controversy also touches on broader societal debates related to gender, race, and sports.
As the issue of a white WNBA star getting attacked at every turn gets the attention of Congress, another of the league’s high-profile players was whacked Saturday.
But to DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky, being ejected from the Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever was “white privilege” after she clotheslined Sophie Cunningham in the face, according to Fox News.
DiJonai Carrington gets ejected for absolutely clocking Sophie Cunningham in the face and immediately takes to Threads claiming white privilege…
Maybe worry about hacking somebody across the head?? pic.twitter.com/RhwfrzV4a9
— OutKick (@Outkick) August 8, 2026
Carrington has also poked Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye in the past.
The incident took place as Cunningham was heading for a first-quarter layup.
Carrington got close enough to swing her arm at Cunningham, catching her along the neck and the side of her face.
Sophie Cunningham seems to say “Why the f*** did you do that?!” to DiJonai Carrington & then shows her Fever teammates her bloody mouth…
Carrington should be suspended. This was 💯% intentional. pic.twitter.com/DA8iUPBfmv
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) August 8, 2026
Cunningham went down but bounced up ready to rumble as she exploded at Carrington.
Referees separated the players. The foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, and Carrington, attitude and all, was ejected.
Cunningham, who rose to fame as the Fever’s enforcer when opponents hit Clark, has since made headlines for saying men should not play in women’s sports, making her a central figure in the societal divide of transgender athletes.
DiJonai Carrington was assessed a Flagrant 2 and was ejected from the game after this play. pic.twitter.com/WRapu4lqHX
— ESPN (@espn) August 8, 2026
The incident came as nearly a dozen members of Congress said the WNBA needs to clean up its act, according to the New York Post.
Republican Study Committee Chairman Rep. August Pfluger of Texas and 10 other Republicans told WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert they have seen enough “repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence” toward Clark.
“Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games,” the letter read.
“These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable. Recently, a player even appeared to endorse violence against Clark in a social media post, further fueling concerns about the culture surrounding these incidents,” the letter added.
After Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington got ejected for a dirty flagrant foul on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, she immediately ran to Threads and cried that the Indiana Fever has “WHITE PRIVILEGE.” pic.twitter.com/BNDzPbgl3F
— Jammles (@jammles9) August 8, 2026
“In addition, concerning reports suggest that many of these attacks against Caitlin Clark may be racially motivated,” the letter continued.
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