Chicago Sky DiJonai Carrington has been suspended two games without pay by the WNBA for violent misconduct stemming from a hard bump on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during Sunday night’s 113-92 loss at Wintrust Arena.
The league announced the discipline Monday morning following a review of the second-quarter sequence. With the score tight, Clark dribbled near the top of the key when Carrington made solid contact, sending the Fever guard off-balance. Officials whistled a defensive foul. Replays showed Carrington continuing the contact as both players transitioned, prompting the league office to classify the play as unnecessary and excessive physical force.
“Player safety remains the priority,” a WNBA statement read. “After thorough review of the contact involving Ms. Carrington and Ms. Clark, the league has determined that a two-game suspension is warranted under the violent misconduct provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.”
Carrington, who returned from a lengthy injury absence earlier this season, will miss the Sky’s next two contests. The suspension carries an automatic fine in addition to the lost salary. Sky head coach Tyler Marsh said the team respects the league’s decision and will move forward without their defensive specialist.
Clark finished with a dominant 37 points, including a career-high eight three-pointers, and 10 assists in the Fever’s blowout victory. The Indiana star later brushed off the physicality, focusing instead on her team’s performance. “We play hard. That’s basketball,” Clark said postgame. “I’m focused on the win.”
The incident adds another chapter to the already heated Fever-Sky rivalry. Carrington and Clark have shared several tense moments dating back to the 2024 playoffs. Sunday’s bump occurred shortly after Carrington was called for a foul and appeared to gesture toward officials about Clark’s contact.
Fever coach Stephanie White praised her star’s composure while noting the physical nature of the matchup. Chicago, meanwhile, continues to struggle for consistency and now faces the additional challenge of playing short-handed.
The suspension is effective immediately. Carrington is expected to return after serving the ban. League officials declined further comment beyond the formal announcement, emphasizing that all plays involving potential excessive force undergo independent review.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, both teams will look to put the latest controversy behind them and focus on the court.
