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The WNBA Players Association released a scathing statement on Friday critiquing USA Today journalist Christine Brennan.
The statement expressed disappointment with Brennan’s question to Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington about her poke to the eye of Caitlin Clark in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Brennan asked Carrington if there was any intent to the eye poke. Carrington denied any intent and Clark later also stated that she believes Carrington did not intentionally poke her.
But the WNBAPA appears to have been upset by the fact that Brennan would even dare to ask the question. They released a lengthy statement on Friday rebuking Brennan and her question.
WNBA Players Association Rips Christine Brennan For Question To Dijonai Carrington
“This week was dedicated to celebrating and amplifying A’ja, Caitlin, Dijonai and Napheesa for their hard work and truly exceptional performances all season long,” the statement began. “We were not going to distract from their successes, nor would we dim the glow of the spotlight that centered them. They have earned that focus and celebration.
“But we will take this moment now to stand up for them and the rest of our members. Every single one of them. Because we call B.S.
“To unprofessional members of the media like Christine Brennan: You are not fooling anyone. That so-called interview in the name of journalism was a blatant attempt to bait a professional athlete into participating in a narrative that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic and mysogisnistic vitriol on social media. You cannot hide behind your tenure.”
The statement goes on to accuse Brennan of violating journalistic ethics. It claims she abused her privileges and no longer deserves her credentials.
It’s an absolutely shocking statement aimed at one of the biggest names in women’s sports media. Clearly the WNBAPA feels strongly about Brennan and her coverage. But it will be more than a little interesting to see how this statement works out for the league and its players.