The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has issued a statement denouncing USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan for an interview that allegedly incited online vitriol against Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington.
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has issued a scathing statement condemning USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan for an interview that the union claims has fueled "racist, homophobic and misogynistic vitriol" online.
WNBA Players Union Condemns USA Today Columnist for Fueling Online Harassment
The statement comes after Carrington, 26, shared a screenshot of an offensive email she received on social media prior to Game 2 of the Sun's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever. The email contained a racial slur and threats directed at Carrington.
The email followed an incident between Carrington and Fever rookie Caitlin Clark in the first quarter of Game 1. Carrington appeared to hit Clark in the eye while trying to block a pass. No foul was called on the play, and Clark later said she didn't believe the interaction was "intentional."
WNBA Players Union Condemns USA Today Columnist for Fueling Online Harassment
During an on-court interview with Carrington on Tuesday, Brennan asked if Carrington intended to hit Clark in the eye.
"I don't even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye," Carrington responded. "That doesn't even make sense to me. But, no, I didn't. I didn't know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through, and I hit her. So, obviously, it's never intentional. That's not even like the type of player that I am."
WNBA Players Union Condemns USA Today Columnist for Fueling Online Harassment
The WNBPA released a statement on Wednesday after Sun star Alyssa Thomas called out Indiana Fever fans over alleged racism during the postgame presser.
"This week was dedicated to celebrating and amplifying A'ja, Caitlin, DiJonai, and Napheesa for their hard work and truly exceptional performances all season long," the WNBPA statement began. "We were not going to distract from their successes, nor would we dim the glow of the spotlight that centered them. They have earned that focus and celebration. But we will take this moment now to stand up for them and the rest of our members. Every single one of them. Because we call B.S."
WNBA Players Union Condemns USA Today Columnist for Fueling Online Harassment
The statement accused Brennan of "abus[ing] your privileges" and said that she "does not deserve the credentials issued to you."
The union also called on USA Today to take action.
"We call on USA Today Network to review its Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms and address what we believe is a violation of several core principles, including seeking and reporting the truth," the statement said. "USA Today Sports should explain why a reporter with clear bias and ulterior motives was assigned to cover the league. We also urge the league to review its policies and take measures to prevent such issues, protecting the integrity of the game and its players."
In response to the WNBPA's statement, USA Today issued a statement saying that it "stands behind" Brennan's journalism and that she "has consistently demonstrated fairness and professionalism in her work."
"We are aware of the concerns raised by the WNBPA," the statement said. "We have reviewed Ms. Brennan's reporting and stand behind her journalism. Ms. Brennan has consistently demonstrated fairness and professionalism in her work. We are committed to fair and unbiased coverage of the WNBA and all of our sports properties."
Brennan did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Sun began its semifinal series against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.
