WATCH Video: Sophie Cunningham Takes Hard Hit to Face From DiJonai Carrington, WNBA Star Ejected For Flagrant 2 Foul

Sophie Cunningham took a hard hit to the face from DiJonai Carrington during the Indiana Fever’s WNBA clash against the Chicago Sky, with the foul upgraded to a Flagrant 2 and Carrington ejected from the game. The incident quickly went viral on social media, with Cunningham later calling the contact intentional, while Carrington’s subsequent “WHITE PRIVILEGE” post added another layer to the controversy.

By: Eva Aggarwal
Last Updated: August 9, 2026 16:39:29 IST

The Indiana Fever secured a 90-86 road victory over the Chicago Sky, improving to 20-12 behind a strong offensive display from Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, who finished with 27 and 26 points, respectively. However, the game was overshadowed by a heated moment involving Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington during the contest.

The incident occurred during a fast break when Carrington made heavy contact with Cunningham around the head and neck as the Indiana forward drove toward the basket. Cunningham went hard to the floor, prompting officials to review the play. After the review, the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, leading to Carrington’s automatic ejection from the game.

Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington’s Heated Moment Caught on Video

Here is the video:

DiJonai Carrington was ejected during the Chicago Sky’s clash with the Indiana Fever after a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham during a transition play. Carrington made high contact with Cunningham as she drove toward the basket, sending the Fever forward crashing to the floor. After reviewing the incident, officials upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, triggering Carrington’s automatic ejection under WNBA rules.

Cunningham got back to her feet and moved toward Carrington, but players and coaches from both teams quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. The incident occurred with 1:59 left in the first quarter, when Chicago held an 18-17 lead. Indiana eventually turned the game around, taking control in the second half before securing a 90-86 road victory.

The controversy continued after Carrington left the game when she posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media while tagging the Indiana Fever. She did not provide any further explanation, but the post quickly drew attention online, with many interpreting it as a reaction to the ejection and the officiating decision.

Sophie Cunningham Calls Out DiJonai Carrington After Controversial Flagrant Foul

Cunningham confronted Carrington right after the foul and later made it clear that she did not believe the contact was accidental. “Clearly, I think it was like unnecessary,” Cunningham said. “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 s*** off. That’s fine. I can take it.” When asked if she felt Carrington deliberately made the contact, Cunningham did not hesitate. “Yeah, it’s intentional,” she said. “She has no reason to be doing any of that.”

Cunningham also addressed Carrington’s social media post and rejected the suggestion that the incident had anything to do with race. “This has nothing to do with race,” Cunningham said, pointing to a previous situation in which she herself was ejected for a similar play. “There’s no reason to play that card.”

Also Read: WNBA: Gabby Williams Backs Trans Athletes as Sophie Cunningham Urges Focus Back to Basketball 

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