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Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White defended DiJonai Carrington’s intentions following the hard foul on Sophie Cunningham that resulted in Carrington’s ejection during Saturday’s loss to Indiana.

Carrington made contact with Cunningham around the neck from behind as the Fever guard attacked the basket in transition. Officials initially called a foul before upgrading it to a flagrant 2 and ejecting Carrington.

“Yeah, I mean, look, it was a hard foul,” White told reporters. “I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get her across the neck like she did. But it did happen and I thought it was the right call.”

White, who coached Carrington with the Connecticut Sun in 2023 and 2024, said she understands the aggressive approach her former player brings to the floor. While supporting the officials’ decision, she had no problem with Carrington attempting to prevent an easy basket.

“One of the things about [Carrington] is that she’s gonna play her butt off, man,” White said. “She’s gonna compete. Nobody’s gonna go walking in for a layup. And so, I don’t oppose the hard foul.”

After the play, Cunningham got back to her feet and shoved Carrington before the players were separated. Carrington later posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on Threads following her ejection.

Cunningham rejected the suggestion that race had anything to do with the confrontation, saying “this has nothing to do with race” and that “there’s no reason to even play that card.”

She also said she has no “beef” with Carrington, adding, “I guess she has some pent-up stuff.”

Carrington subsequently posted “8/23” on X, referencing the date of the next meeting between the Fever and Sky.

Fever coach sticks up for DiJonai Carrington after flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham, ejection https://t.co/zWtHtl2dd0 pic.twitter.com/7lwFfQaumV