DiJonai Carrington's Sophie Cunningham clarification sparks strong reaction from former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn

DiJonai Carrington’s post, shared after her ejection, led many to interpret it as suggesting that racial bias may have influenced the decision.

DiJonai Carrington has remained at the center of attention since posting on social media shortly after being ejected during the Indiana Fever game in an incident involving Sophie Cunningham.

DiJonai Carrington clarified her social media post she uploaded after Sophie Cunningham foul led to ejection. (Getty Images via AFP)

The Chicago Sky star shared the words “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media following the incident.

Given the timing of the post and the events that preceded it, many interpreted the message as Carrington suggesting that her ejection was connected to a broader issue of racial bias.

Carrington clarifies social media post

However, the Sky guard later clarified her social media post on Monday, stressing that she never suggested the Flagrant 2 foul she received against Indiana on Saturday was influenced by white privilege.

“I would never use that term as a rhetorical weapon knowing the historical and social weight it holds without having the proper evidence to substantiate it,” she mentioned in her clarification on X.

But Carrington’s acknowledgement did not appear to convince or satisfy former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn.

Former ESPN anchor mocks Carrington

Cohn, who recently retired from ESPN, appeared to mock Carrington by pointing out that she still had support from Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White.

The former ESPN anchor replied to Carrington's post and wrote, "At least you have a fan in Fever Head Coach Stephanie White."

White defends former player

White previously coached Carrington during her time with the Connecticut Sun in 2023 and 2024 and defended her former player while discussing the incident after the game.

“Yeah, I mean, look, it was a hard foul,” White told reporters postgame. “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.”

While White acknowledged the severity of the contact, she made it clear that she "didn't oppose" the physical nature of the foul.

“One of the things about [Carrington] is that she’s gonna play her butt off, man,” White told reporters. “She’s gonna compete. Nobody’s gonna go walking in for a layup. And so, I don’t oppose the hard foul,” the Fever coach added.

What happened between Carrington & Cunningham?

The incident occurred during a fast-break opportunity when Carrington came from behind and made contact with Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham around the head and neck area as Cunningham attempted a layup.

The Fever star fell to the floor, although she completed the shot.

Officials subsequently reviewed the play and upgraded Carrington’s foul to a Flagrant 2 after determining that the sequence involved a windup, significant impact and follow-through.