“Should be permanently barred”: Fans react after Jason Whitlock demands action against DiJonai Carrington for ‘stabbing’ Caitlin Clark in the eye

WNBA: AUG 28 Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever - Source: GettyCaitlin Clark is guarded by DiJonnai Carrington – Image Source: Getty

Sports commentator Jason Whitlock accused DiJonai Carrington of intentionally injuring Caitlin Clark during Game 1 of the first-round series between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. He said she should be suspended, and a fans reacted to his statement.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Whitlock claimed Carrington “stabbed” Caitlin Clark with her fingernail and called for the Sun guard to be suspended. The incident happened less than two minutes into Game 1 of the series.

Clark fell to the floor clutching her eye, but no foul was called. Whitlock criticized the WNBA, calling it “ridiculous” that players are allowed to wear long nails.

Some fans shared Whitlock’s sentiments, with one saying:

“Carrington should be permanently barred from the league.”

“Dijonai’s long nails and Dijonai extending them into Caitlin Clark’s eyes. It was malicious and done with intent. Dijonai should be suspended for the rest of the playoffs,” one fan said.

“It could have blinded Caitlin Clark. She definitely should be suspended,” added another.

The WNBA rule book does not specify regulations regarding nail length. However, for flagrant fouls, the league commissioner has the authority to impose penalties or suspend a player.

One fan questioned the league’s lack of regulations regarding nail length.

“Always wondered why WNBA allows women players to wear fingernails like daggers for just that reason. It’s a very physical game.

“Why would they even be allowed to play with nails like that. This is just plain common sense,” one added.

A suspension for Carrington seems unlikely as no foul was called during the game, although the Fever have the option to file a protest within 48 hours after the game’s conclusion.

“The WNBA statement better come down before the next game,” one fan said.

Another fan said:

“The WNBA encourages it How do we know? Because they will not address it!”

Caitlin Clark says eye poke did not affect her

After the game, Caitlin Clark said the eye poke didn’t impact her performance, though she had some bruising around her right eye.

“Got me pretty good in the eye. I don’t think it affected me, honestly,” Clark told reporters after Game 1 (per Yahoo Sports). “I felt like I got good shots, they just didn’t go down. Obviously a tough time for that to happen.”

Clark struggled in Game 1, scoring only 11 points on 4-for-17 shooting, including 2-of-13 from beyond the arc, but she also contributed eight assists and four rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points for Indiana, while Aliyah Boston contributed with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Carrington was impactful, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists in the Sun’s victory.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Connecticut, with a potential Game 3 in Indiana on Thursday, Sept. 26, if necessary.

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