Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has taken legal action against Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington, filing a civil lawsuit for assault stemming from a violent on-court incident during Saturday’s WNBA game at the United Center.
The confrontation occurred late in the first quarter of Indiana’s 90-86 victory. Cunningham was streaking in for a fast-break layup when Carrington chased her down from behind and struck her across the head and neck with her forearm, sending the Fever guard hard to the floor. The basket counted, but officials reviewed the play and upgraded it to a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in Carrington’s automatic ejection after she had scored eight points off the bench.
Cunningham immediately rose and confronted Carrington before teammates and staff intervened. After the game, she described the contact as intentional and unnecessary. “I’ve never really spoken to her and have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent-up stuff,” Cunningham said. “That’s fine—I can take it.” She also dismissed Carrington’s subsequent social media post of “WHITE PRIVILEGE” tagging the Fever, stating the incident had “nothing to do with race.”
On Sunday, Cunningham’s representatives confirmed the filing of a civil complaint in Cook County, alleging battery and assault. The suit seeks damages for physical injury, emotional distress, and related medical costs. Sources close to the matter indicated Cunningham sustained facial bruising and sought evaluation after the game, though she remained in the contest.
Fever coach Stephanie White had called the foul “hard” but stopped short of labeling it intentional, while Sky coach Tyler Marsh said the team would address Carrington’s social media activity internally. The WNBA is reviewing the play for potential additional discipline.
Legal experts note that while on-court contact is inherent to professional basketball and typically handled by league rules, extreme force that exceeds the bounds of play can open the door to civil claims. Cunningham’s action marks a rare step by a player to pursue personal legal recourse beyond the league’s internal process.
Carrington has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on August 23, raising the possibility of further tension. Cunningham’s decision underscores growing scrutiny around player safety and accountability in the WNBA as the league continues to grow in visibility and intensity.