WNBPA directly calls out controversial reporter for abusing credential privilege

Attention in the WNBA world over the last week should've been on the first round of the playoffs. Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double, Napheesa Collier dropped 42 points, Sabrina Ionescu scored 36, and Chelsea Gray (aka the Point Gawd) dominated. Instead, people overreacted to a clear basketball play between Caitlin Clark and DiJonai Carrington.

Carrington inadvertently poked Clark in the eye during Game 1 between the Sun and Fever. The area around Clark's eye bruised. She shot 4-of-17 for 11 points in Indiana's 93-69 loss. Clark's "fans" blamed her poor shooting performance on Carrington. The Sun guard was harassed and received death threats because of it.

At shootaround the day before Game 2, USA Today reporter Christine Brennan asked Carrington if she intended to hit Clark in the eye. Carrington answered professionally and said she initially didn't know she hit the rookie.

Brennan continued to press Carrington and asked her if she and Marina Mabry laughed about it afterward because that's what "it looked like. Carrington said, "I just told you I didn't even know I hit her. I can't laugh about something I didn't know happened."

Brennan was rightfully criticized on social media for inciting a harmful narrative. Clark herself said that it was clear Carrington didn't intentionally hit her in the eye.

WNBPA releases strong statement that calls out Christine Brennan

On Friday, the WNBPA (Women's National Basketball Players Association) released a statement that called Brennan out by name.

The union called Brennan "unprofessional" and said she tried to "bait a professional athlete into participating in a narrative that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic, and misogynistic vitriol on social media."

A woman in the crowd for Game 2 wore a shirt that read 'Ban Nails' and paper on her nails, mocking Carrington's acrylic nails. Carrington has received death threats. Her life has been put in danger because of a basketball play.

Sadly, hate has been a common theme in the W this season because of people who claim to be Clark fans. Alyssa Thomas talked about the racism she's experienced this season. Stephanie White spoke about the hate her players have received. The WNBA issued a statement late Wednesday night and was called out for its lack of action (subscription required).

Brennan knew what she was doing. There should be no place for her in the WNBA. The league needs to prioritize player safety.