Sophie Cunningham gets honest about DiJonai Carrington’s hard foul

Loading video...

Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Sophie Cunningham addressed DiJonai Carrington's hard foul on her during the Indiana Fever's 90-86 win over the Chicago Sky on Saturday.

The play occurred in the first quarter on Cunningham's fast-break layup. Carrington brought her arm down on Cunningham's face and neck on the play, resulting in a foul call. Cunningham went after Carrington and had to be held back as the two players had words.

After the referees reviewed the incident, they upgraded it to a Flagrant 2, and they ejected Carrington from the game. After the Fever's win, Cunningham addressed the hard foul.

Read More on Sports

"Clearly, I think it was like unnecessary. 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 [expletive] off. That's fine. I can take it," Cunningham said in postgame remarks, per ESPN.

More news: Stephanie White Rips Referees Over Caitlin Clark Technical in Fever Win

Sophie Cunningham gets hit across the face by Sky player DiJonai Carrington during Fever game

...

Soon after her ejection, Carrington also posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever" on Threads. Cunningham was asked about that and suggested the league would respond.

"I think the league is taking care of that. This has nothing to do with race. 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," Cunningham said.

Cunningham was ejected from last year's Fever game against the Connecticut Sun after pulling down Sun guard Jacy Sheldon by the head in retaliation for the Sun's earlier physical play against Fever teammate Caitlin Clark.

That resulted in a Flagrant 2 and an ejection for Cunningham, who later received a fine.

A fine is likely on the way for Carrington for her hard foul after league review. The league may add a fine for her postgame social media message, something they have fined players for before.