WNBA Player Ejected for Flagrant Foul, Cites 'White Privilege' on Social Media

What Happened

On Saturday, August 9, 2026, Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected from a WNBA game against the Indiana Fever after committing a Flagrant 2 foul on Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The incident occurred late in the first quarter when Cunningham was on a fast-break layup. Carrington pursued Cunningham, striking her across the face and neck, which caused Cunningham to fall to the floor as her shot went in. Officials initially assessed a Flagrant 1, but upgraded it to a Flagrant 2 after review, citing the windup, impact, and follow-through of the play. Following her ejection, Carrington posted the words “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on her Threads social media account, tagging the Indiana Fever. The game concluded with Indiana winning 90-86. Cunningham, who had previously been under scrutiny for comments regarding transgender athletes in an ESPN profile, reacted by shoving Carrington before teammates and staff intervened. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier subsequently issued a public warning to the WNBA regarding potential assault charges for similar incidents in Florida.

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that DiJonai Carrington was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game on August 9, 2026, for her contact with Sophie Cunningham. The Associated Press (AP) reported that officials upgraded the foul after reviewing the play, noting the

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that DiJonai Carrington was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game on August 9, 2026, for her contact with Sophie Cunningham. The Associated Press (AP) reported that officials upgraded the foul after reviewing the play, noting the "windup, impact and follow-through." Immediately after the ejection, Carrington posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on her Threads account, tagging the Indiana Fever, as reported by the Daily Caller. Sophie Cunningham explicitly rejected any racial component to the incident, stating to ESPN, "This has nothing to do with race. Last year, I did the same thing and I got kicked out. And I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason even to play that card." Cunningham also characterized the foul as "unnecessary" and "deliberate," suggesting Carrington had "some pent up stuff." Fever coach Stephanie White, while defending the Flagrant 2 call, stated to the AP, "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."

Where the Accounts Conflict

A primary conflict exists regarding the motivation behind DiJonai Carrington’s foul and her subsequent social media post. Carrington’s Threads post, which explicitly stated “WHITE PRIVILEGE” and tagged the Indiana Fever, implies a racial motivation or perceived racial bias in the officiating or the broader context of the league’s treatment of players. However, Sophie Cunningham directly contradicted this assertion, stating unequivocally to ESPN that the incident "has nothing to do with race" and that there was "no reason even to play that card." Cunningham further noted that she had been ejected for a similar play in the previous year, suggesting consistency in officiating rather than racial bias. Another point of divergence lies in the intent of the foul. Cunningham described the foul as "deliberate" and "unnecessary," implying malicious intent. In contrast, her own coach, Stephanie White, while agreeing with the Flagrant 2 call, offered a more nuanced view, stating to the AP, "I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did." This indicates a disagreement on whether Carrington specifically aimed for Cunningham's neck or if the contact was an unintended consequence of an aggressive play.

Context and Stakes

The incident between DiJonai Carrington and Sophie Cunningham unfolds within a broader landscape of heightened social and political discourse surrounding professional sports, particularly the WNBA. Cunningham herself had been under recent scrutiny for comments she made about transgender athletes in an ESPN profile, adding a layer of pre-existing tension to her matchups. This context suggests that Carrington's "WHITE PRIVILEGE" post, regardless of its direct intent, could be interpreted as a response to perceived systemic issues or specific past events. The intervention of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who issued a warning that he would be "charging people with assault" if similar incidents occurred in Florida, elevates the stakes beyond typical league disciplinary actions, introducing potential legal ramifications for on-court conduct. Furthermore, a separate but related social media post from former NBA player Royce White, who humorously declared himself in his "feminine era" to qualify for the WNBA Draft, highlights the ongoing public debate and cultural friction surrounding gender identity and fairness in women's sports. These elements combine to create an environment where player actions and statements, even in a sports context, can quickly draw significant external attention and political commentary, impacting the league's image and operational autonomy.

What to Watch Next

Observers should monitor the WNBA's official response and any disciplinary actions taken against DiJonai Carrington. The league's decision, expected within the next few days, will likely include a fine and potentially a suspension, given the Flagrant 2 classification and the high-profile nature of the incident. Attention will also be on any further statements from Carrington or the Chicago Sky organization, particularly regarding the "WHITE PRIVILEGE" post, which could either clarify her intent or escalate the controversy. Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever's subsequent games will be watched for any lingering tensions or retaliatory actions, especially if they face the Sky again. Beyond the immediate league response, the actions of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warrant close observation. His public warning about potential assault charges could lead to legislative proposals or direct legal challenges if similar incidents occur in Florida, setting a precedent for legal intervention in professional sports conduct. Finally, the broader public and media discourse surrounding race, gender, and player conduct in the WNBA will continue to evolve, potentially influencing fan engagement and sponsorship decisions for the league.

Bottom Line

The ejection of DiJonai Carrington for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham, immediately followed by Carrington's "WHITE PRIVILEGE" social media post, has ignited a multi-faceted controversy within the WNBA. While Cunningham explicitly denied any racial component to the foul, the incident is now framed by broader societal debates on race, privilege, and gender identity in sports, exacerbated by Cunningham's prior comments on transgender athletes. The league faces pressure to issue a decisive disciplinary response that addresses both the on-court conduct and the off-court commentary. Furthermore, the public warning from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier introduces a novel legal dimension, suggesting that player actions could transcend league jurisdiction and face criminal scrutiny. This event underscores the increasing intersection of professional sports with social and political issues, compelling the WNBA to navigate complex cultural narratives while maintaining competitive integrity and player safety. The resolution of this incident will likely influence future player conduct, league policy, and the public perception of the WNBA.