Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington revealed on her Instagram story that she received an email containing sexual assault and death threats after an altercation with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
“I hope someone rapes you and cuts your head off,” the anonymous message read.
Carrington had accidentally caused Clark’s black eye during Game 1 of their WNBA playoff series when she poked her eye 90 minutes into the game.
Carrington denied any intentional wrongdoing, stating, “I don’t even know why I would purposely hit someone in the eye… No, I didn’t intend to hit her. I was just trying to make a play on the ball.”
No foul was called during the incident.
Caitlin Clark Defends Carrington
Clark came to Carrington’s defense, telling reporters before Game 2, “It wasn’t intentional at all. You just watch the play—it wasn’t on purpose.”
Despite the injury, Clark confirmed the black eye didn’t affect her shooting, although she struggled with 11 points on 4 of 17 shooting, including 2 of 13 from the three-point line.
After Game 1, Clark said, “She got me good, but I don’t think it affected my shot. I had good looks; they just didn’t go in.”
In Game 2 on September 25, Carrington and the Sun advanced with an 87-81 win, despite Clark’s impressive 25 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Carrington contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds.
WNBA Condemns Harmful Fan Behavior
In response to threats and racial slurs targeting both Carrington and Clark, the WNBA issued a statement condemning such toxic fan behavior.
“The WNBA is a highly competitive league with elite athletes… We will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments. League security is monitoring threats and will involve law enforcement as necessary,” the league stated.
Clark also had a heated exchange with a Connecticut fan during Game 1, leading to the fan being briefly escorted out.
DiJonai Carrington Wins Most Improved Player
Before the Sun’s Game 2 victory, Carrington was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11 guard received 28 out of 67 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
This season, Carrington achieved career highs, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.56 steals, a significant improvement from her previous season’s stats. She also led the league in games with at least five steals and had double-digit scoring in 25 games.
An intentional blow to the face. Caitlin Clark’s right eye to be specific https://t.co/Ypqa32SMbc pic.twitter.com/jYZSVEGHXk
— CMSLA[G]LE (@cm_slagle) September 23, 2024
