Chicago Sky guard-forward Dijonai Carrington has temporarily vacated her Chicago residence, seeking refuge at an undisclosed location after receiving a relentless barrage of death threats. The escalating animosity stems from a heated on-court incident during last week’s matchup against the Indiana Fever, which involved Fever rookie star Sophie Cunningham.
According to team sources, the threats intensified after a slow-motion clip circulated online showing Carrington and Cunningham exchanging sharp words and a forearm shove near the baseline. While the officials issued double technicals, the internet’s court of public opinion was not so forgiving. Since then, Carrington’s social media accounts have been flooded with violent rhetoric and doxxing attempts, forcing the 6’1” forward to leave her home out of fear for her physical safety.
“Dijonai is a fierce competitor, but this has crossed every line,” said a Sky spokesperson. “No game is worth a player’s life. We’ve engaged security, and local law enforcement is actively investigating the sources of these threats.”
Carrington, who declined an interview, posted a brief Instagram story showing a packed duffel bag with the caption, “When the love for the game meets the fear for your life.” In a follow-up, she thanked the Sky organization and the WNBA for “taking this seriously” but added, “This isn’t just about me. Sophie and I are competitors, not enemies. No one should have to flee their own home for playing basketball.”
The WNBA has since released a statement condemning the threats and pledging increased digital security for players. Meanwhile, Cunningham, who herself received a lesser number of threats, publicly urged fans to “cool off,” saying, “What happened on the court stays on the court. This is beyond basketball. Please leave Dijonai alone.”
As Carrington remains away from her residence, the Sky have not set a timeline for her return, prioritizing her mental and physical well-being over the playoff push. The incident has reignited a broader conversation about toxic fandom and the risks female athletes face simply for competing with passion.