‘Lazy and Microaggressive’ – Outrage Erupts As Ex-NFL MVP Takes Shots at DiJonai Carrington For Sophie Cunningham Incident
The WNBA’s latest controversy involves Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington’s flagrant foul on Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham.
There’s been a lot of commentary throughout sports media on the incident, with many people accusing Carrington of having ulterior motives. A former NFL star quarterback was the latest to weigh in on the issue, and his comments sparked swift backlash.
Ex-NFL MVP Calls Out DiJonai Carrington
Cincinnati Bengals great Boomer Esiason discussed the incident, and believes Carrington’s flagrant foul was a sign of jealousy. Esiason believes Carrington may have targeted Cunningham based on Cunningham’s looks, beliefs, and popularity.
Notable sports media figure Jemele Hill offered a strong reaction to Esiason’s comments. Hill said “I’m sure he’s never spoken to a current WNBA player, but he’s ecstatic to push the narrative that black players are jealous of white players with no evidence. When white players compete hard against black players, they are celebrated and it’s just considered good ball.”
“When Black players do it, they’re jealous and hateful. THAT is the white privilege DiJonai was talking about — the lack of consistency in reaction and sometimes, punishment,” she added.
Hill’s comments are similar to many WNBA fans who believe that never fans are looking for incidents such as the flagrant foul by Carrington to push hateful agendas.
Sportswriter O.J. Spivey said, “This is lazy and microaggressive. DC is way too smart, talented, and attractive to be jealous of that lady.”
Spivey’s comments reference Carrington attending Stanford University, an elite academic institution, something Esiason also acknowledged.
StephonK said, “This is why people who don’t watch the WNBA shouldn’t talk about it. Carrington chases down every single breakaway and hit Sophie. It’s flagrant two she got ejected, rightfully so. But that’s it, end of story.”
Many long-time WNBA fans are aware that Carrington is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and tough defense is one of her signature qualities. They believe there wasn’t any malicious intent during the Cunningham play.
It doesn’t seem like the controversy is dying anytime soon. Pundits and analysts from across the country have been delivering strong opinions on the Sky guard-forward. It will be interesting to see how Carrington takes this forward in the coming games.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
