Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sharply criticized a hard foul on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, warning the WNBA against bringing such physical play to his state.
During the first quarter of the Fever’s 90-86 win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday at the United Center, Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected after officials upgraded her contact on Cunningham to a Flagrant 2 foul. Cunningham was driving for a fast-break layup when Carrington’s arm struck her across the face and neck area, sending her hard to the floor. Cunningham immediately rose and confronted Carrington before teammates restrained her. Officials ruled the contact unnecessary and excessive on a player in a vulnerable position.
Shortly after the ejection, while in the locker room, Carrington posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on Threads and tagged the Indiana Fever. The post was later deleted. She also posted the date of the teams’ next meeting, Aug. 23.
Cunningham rejected any racial framing. “This has nothing to do with race,” she said postgame. “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.” She described the foul as unnecessary and intentional, suggesting Carrington was seeking attention amid the Fever’s national television profile. “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.”
Fever coach Stephanie White said she did not believe the contact was intentional but agreed the Flagrant 2 call was correct. Sky coach Tyler Marsh indicated he viewed it as a play on the ball in the moment.
Uthmeier responded on social media by quoting discussion of the foul and Carrington’s post: “The WNBA knows better than to play games down here in Florida, because I’ll be charging people with assault.” The remark added a political dimension to an already heated on-court and social-media exchange.
The incident is the latest physical and verbal flashpoint involving the Fever this season. The teams meet again Aug. 23.