Connecticut Sun forward DiJonai Carrington is facing scrutiny after a contentious play in Game 1 of the team’s series against the Fever, in which she poked Caitlin Clark in the eye. Carrington has denied any intention to harm Clark, claiming the contact was accidental.
The incident occurred when Carrington attempted to defend a pass and her follow-through made contact with Clark’s eye, leaving a visible mark. Clark downplayed the impact of the poke on her game, stating that it didn’t affect her performance, despite missing several open shots.
When questioned by USA Today‘s Christine Brennan about the incident, Carrington maintained that she didn’t intentionally try to hit Clark. “I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through, and I hit her,” she said. “That’s not the type of player I am.”
However, video footage of the incident appears to contradict Carrington’s claim, showing her deliberately pointing her fingers downward and making contact with Clark’s eye socket. The evidence is damning, and many are questioning why Carrington’s denial is being taken seriously.
Adding fuel to the fire is a video of Carrington laughing and joking with a teammate about the incident, which has sparked outrage and raised doubts about her sincerity. The controversy will likely continue to simmer as the Fever and Sun face off in Game 2 on Friday, a must-win game for Clark and her team.
