Connecticut Sun basketball player DiJonai Carrington received a threatening email comprising graphics and threats of inappropriate acts along with a racial slur following her game.
The Connecticut Sun selected DiJonai as the 20th overall in the 2021 WNBA draft. Since then, she has only climbed the stairs of success, earning several accolades and awards.
DiJonai was born in San Diego, California, to her parents, Darren Carrington and Vickie. Not to forget, she grew up in a sports-oriented family, as her father, Darren Carrington, played in the NFL.
She played college basketball for Standford University before transferring to Baylor University, where she made a significant impact.
Carrington’s accomplishments include being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year at Baylor.
DiJonai Carrington faced a hateful email that ruined her celebratory night after the Connecticut Sun’s win!
DiJonal Carrington received a threatening email on what should have been a celebratory night for the Connecticut Sun after they advanced to their sixth consecutive WNBA semifinals, eliminating Indiana Fever.
She took to her Instagram story to share the disappointing email, which included racist remarks after her team’s win.
The email posted on her now-deleted Instagram story included graphic threats of fatal acts and inappropriate violations.
The 26-year-old received the email following a skirmish with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
Meanwhile, the incident has highlighted the increasing online harassment faced by athletes.
The WNBA has been vocal about criticizing the hateful messages and has emphasized that it will not tolerate such behavior toward any player.
Meanwhile, the WNBA actively monitors threat-related activity and works with teams to take appropriate measures.
This incident isn’t isolated, but lately, the WNBA players have increasingly faced online hateful remarks as the league is drawing significant attention.
As the WNBA gains popularity, thanks partly to rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, fan’s insane behavior has increased.
Likewise, Carrington and her teammate Alyssa Thomas pointed out that Indiana Fever fans have been particularly hostile.
Alyssa stated this was the very first time she had experienced such racial comments in her 11-year-long career.
Both players and coaches, including Indiana Fever’s coach, Christie Sides, have spoken out against the hate.
The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, initially focused on the league’s business growth rather than addressing the hostility. However, she apologized for not responding adequately.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- DiJonai Carrington was born into a sports-oriented family. Her father, Darren Carrington, is a former NFL player.
- Connecticut Suns player DiJonal earned an estimated net worth of $2 million from her successful career.
- DiJonal is in a relationship with Indiana Fever player and fellow Baylor alum NaLyssa Smith.