Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected from a game against the Indiana Fever after a flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham, a play that set off a wide debate about media coverage and drew reactions from coach Stephanie White and former soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
The ejection came in the first quarter when Carrington slammed her arm into Cunningham's neck as Cunningham went up for a layup on a fastbreak. Officials ruled it a Flagrant 2, which carries an automatic ejection.
After the game, Carrington posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media. The post drew swift responses, with media figures such as Jemele Hill rushing to her defense, while others focused on the dangerous nature of the hit.
Rapinoe, speaking on her podcast, attacked Cunningham for posing with Riley Gaines in a post-game photo, describing the criticism of Carrington as part of a broader demand for ideological conformity.
Meanwhile, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, whose team includes Cunningham, offered a defense of Carrington, saying her take on the incident differed from the widespread condemnation.