close
close
Skip to main content
metropolis
WNBPA directly calls out controversial reporter for abuse of credential privilege

WNBPA directly calls out controversial reporter for abuse of credential privilege

Vaseline 1 month ago

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

Carrington accidentally poked Clark in the eye during Game 1 between the Sun and Fever. The area around Clark’s eye was bruised. She shot 4-for-17 for 11 points in Indiana’s 93-69 loss. Clark’s “fans” blamed Carrington for her poor shooting performance. The Sun Guard was harassed and threatened with death as a result.

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

Brennan continued to press Carrington, asking her if she and Marina Mabry laughed about it afterward because “that’s what it looked like.” Carrington said, “I just told you I didn’t even know I hit her.” I can’t laugh at something I didn’t know was happening.”

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

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

The union called Brennan “unprofessional” and said she tried to “entice a professional athlete to participate in a story that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic and misogynistic vitriol on social media.”

A woman in the crowd for Game 2 wore a shirt that said “Ban Nails” and paper on her nails, mocking Carrington’s acrylic nails. Carrington has received death threats. Her life has been endangered because of a basketball game.

Unfortunately, hate has been a common theme on the W this season from people claiming to be Clark fans. Alyssa Thomas opened up 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 calling out the lack of action (subscription required).

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