Fever’s Sophie Cunningham calls out DiJonai Carrington’s ‘unnecessary’ flagrant foul

Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back her thoughts on DiJonai Carrington’s ejection from the Indiana Fever’s contest against the Chicago Sky on Saturday night.

Cunningham was ahead of the pack for a breakaway layup when Carrington chased her down and swiped down with her left arm across the face and neck area, causing Cunningham to land on her backside without being able to break her fall. Referees originally assessed a flagrant 1 foul before upgrading it to a flagrant 2 after review.

Cunningham reflected on the events after the game, per reporter Kareem Copeland. She described the foul as unnecessary, believing that Carrington was trying to get attention.

“Clearly, I think it was like unnecessary. I’ve never really spoken to her and have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent up stuff. So get your shit off. That’s fine. I can take it. Yeah, it’s intentional. She wasn’t even on the team. She has no reason to be doing any of that. So, good way to get her kicked out,” Cunningham said.

“I don’t even know her. She wasn’t even on the team last year when all that was going on. But I do think when people play the Fever, we’re nationally televised, there’s a lot of eyes on us and people just want attention. And that’s her just trying to get attention.”

Carrington called the officiating decision “white privilege” on social media. Cunningham caught wind of the message, making her response public.

“I think the league is taking care of that. This has nothing to do with race. Last year, I did the same thing and I got kicked out. And I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason even to play that card,” Cunningham said.

How Sophie Cunningham, Fever played against Sky

Sophie Cunningham and the Fever had the last laugh over DiJonai Carrington, beating her Sky squad by a 90-86 score.

Four players scored in double-digits for Indiana in the win. Kelsey Mitchell led the team with a stat line of 27 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. She shot 11-of-22 from the field, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Caitlin Clark came next with 26 points and 11 assists, Aliyah Boston had 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Makayla Timpson provided 10 points and three assists.

Indiana improved to a 20-12 record on the season, controlling the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Atlanta Dream and the Washington Mystics at the moment.

The Fever will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the New York Liberty as tip-off commences on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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