WNBA player DiJonai Carrington has sparked controversy again after criticizing referees for calling security on her during a heated argument in a game. The incident occurred during the Dallas Wings’ loss to the Chicago Sky, where Carrington became increasingly demonstrative during an altercation with officials. As the situation escalated, security guards approached, prompting an official to intervene by pulling the guard away from Carrington for her protection. In response to the incident, Carrington posted on X, suggesting the summoning of security was an act of ‘microaggression,’ emphasizing that she was engaging in a civil conversation at the time. Former Dallas Wings player Cheryl Swoopes also voiced her disapproval, questioning the referee’s decision to involve security, stating, ‘If this man was scared… and needed security, he should NEVER be able to ref again!’
Carrington, who has made headlines for her vocal criticism of political issues, has a history of provocative moments in the WNBA. Last season, she became a divisive figure after poking Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the eye during a playoff game. While Carrington insisted she did not intend to harm Clark, the incident sparked widespread controversy, and she later appeared to make light of the situation by laughing with teammate Marina Mabrey during an Instagram Live video. The incident was further compounded when Carrington and her girlfriend, NaLyssa Smith, who plays for the Indiana Fever with Clark, were seen laughing in their kitchen after Smith poked Carrington in the eye, seemingly reenacting the incident.
Carrington’s outspokenness extends beyond the basketball court. In January, she wore a shirt that read, ‘The F— Donald Trump Tour,’ while walking into Wayfair Arena in Miami, Florida, drawing attention to her political activism. During a press conference following another game, she declared that it was time for WNBA players to ‘take action’ in response to President Donald Trump’s policies, citing concerns over the erosion of women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. ‘We see that some of the policies are already going into action, and, of course, that means that as the WNBA and being at the forefront of a lot of these movements, it’s time for us to also take action,’ she stated.
The WNBA and the Chicago Sky have not yet commented on the latest incident, though Fox News Digital has reached out for clarification. As the league continues to navigate the balance between athlete expression and on-court conduct, Carrington’s actions highlight the complexities of public figures in sports and their engagement with broader social and political movements. Her recent comments, combined with past controversies, position her as a polarizing figure within the WNBA, reflecting the broader tensions between athletic performance and political activism.