WNBPA sues controversial reporter directly for abuse of login privileges

The attention in the WNBA world should be focused on the first round of the playoffs this past week. Alyssa Thomas posted a triple-double, Napheesa Collier dropped 42 points, Sabrina Ionescu scored 36 and Chelsea Gray (aka Point Gawd) dominated. Instead, people overreacted to a clear basketball game between Caitlin Clark and DiJonai Carrington.

Carrington accidentally poked Clark in the eye during the first game between the Sun and Fever. The area around Clark’s eye was injured. She shot 4 of 17 and scored 11 points in Indiana’s 93-69 loss. Clark’s “fans” blamed Carrington for her poor shooting performance. The Sun Guardian was harassed and received death threats because of this.

At a shootout the day before Game 2, USA Today reporter Christine Brennan asked Carrington if she planned to hit Clark in the eye. Carrington responded professionally, saying she didn’t initially know she had met the rookie.

Brennan pressed Carrington further, asking her if she and Marina Mabry laughed about it afterwards because it seemed like it. Carrington said, “I just told you I didn’t even know I hit her.” I can’t laugh at something I didn’t know happened.

Brennan was rightly criticized on social media for creating a damaging narrative. Clark herself said it was clear that Carrington did not intentionally hit her in the eye.

On Friday, the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) released a statement naming Brennan.

The union called Brennan “unprofessional” and said she attempted to “lead a professional athlete to participate in a narrative that is false and aimed at stoking racist, homophobic and misogynistic hate speech on social media.”

A woman in the audience for Game 2 wore a T-shirt that said “Ban Nails” and had paper on her nails, mocking Carrington’s acrylic nails. Carrington has received death threats. Your life is in danger because of a basketball game.

Unfortunately, hate has been a common theme on the W this season as people claim to be Clark fans. Alyssa Thomas spoke about the racism she experienced this season. Stephanie White spoke about the hate her players have received. The WNBA issued a statement late Wednesday night and was criticized for a lack of action (subscription required).

Brennan knew what she was doing. There should be no place for them in the WNBA. The league must prioritize player safety.