![Jason Whitlock claims stark contrast in WNBA & NFL injury protocols after Caitlin Clark's eye-poking incident By Michael Macasero Modified Sep 25, 2024 03:03 GMT follow icon Follow Us share icon Share comment Discuss follow icon share iconcomment Discuss WNBA: Playoffs-Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun - Source: ImagnJason Whitlock claims the NFL is protecting is players better than the WNBA is protecting Caitlin Clark. [photo: Imagn] × Jason Whitlock has been in an uproar following the incident involving Caitlin Clark and Dijonai Carrington in Game 1 of the Indiana Fever-Connecticut Sun playoff series. Clark was poked in the eye early in the first period as she passed the ball to teammate Aliyah Boston. The Rookie of the Year winner struggled throughout the game and sported a bruise as she faced reporters after the loss. ADVERTISING Whitlock went on X, formerly Twitter, to call out Carrington’s actions. He said the ace defender “stabbed” the rising superstar in the eye and urged the WNBA to suspend the Sun guard. The "Fearless" host was in disbelief the league hasn't been taking steps to protect Clark. On Tuesday, Jason Whitlock doubled down on his point and dragged the NFL, an even more physical sport, to prove his argument: “In this sports world that’s all about safety, if someone in the NFL breaks a finger, everybody stops everything. However, when the woman single-handedly carrying the WNBA gets intentionally stabbed in the eye, nobody says anything.” also-read-trending Trending Where to watch Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun? TV details, streaming options and more (Sept. 25) | WNBA Playoffs 2024, Game 2 Where to watch Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx? TV details, streaming options and more (Sept. 25) | WNBA Playoffs 2024, Game 2 Understanding why NBA and WNBA community is criticizing Christine Brennan for questioning DiJonai Carrington over Caitlin Clark incident Expand Tweet ADVERTISING Whitlock wanted the WNBA to investigate the eye poke against Caitlin Clark based on the viral replays. He added that Dijonai Carrington’s action was “intentional.” The podcaster said he couldn't believe the supposed “social justice” and “racial justice warriors” had nothing to say about the incident. Caitlin Clark laughs off narratives about Dijonai Carrington’s eye poke as intentional Caitlin Clark told reporters after Game 1 that her shooting struggles had nothing to do with the eye poke. She added that she had a couple of open looks that would normally go in. The Indiana Fever star also expressed confidence about her team’s ability to bounce back from a lopsided loss. ADVERTISING Clark, during a lull in Indiana’s preparation for Game 2, was asked by reporters about the popular opinion regarding Carrington’s hit. The All-Star guard responded to the question: “It wasn’t intentional by any means. You just watched the play, it wasn’t intentional.” Expand Tweet ADVERTISING Some, like Jason Whitlock, have already concluded that Carrington did it intentionally despite Clark’s opinion. Following the rookie’s response, many are already insisting that the Fever guard only wants to take the high road to avoid more controversy. Fans can’t wait for the Fever-Sun rematch on Wednesday.](https://opportuneist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Blue-Guest-Speaker-Feature-Event-Twitter-Post-44-860x484.png)
It’s safe to say that some reporters never miss the chance to ask questions that leave us questioning their credentials. This week, Josh Hart, the New York Knicks star, didn’t hold back as he called out one WNBA reporter’s mind-boggling query, one so bizarre it should be nominated for the “Worst Media Question of the Year” award.
In case you missed it, during Game 1 between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, DiJonai Carrington accidentally poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, leaving the WNBA rookie sporting a stylish black eye. Naturally, social media went ablaze, with armchair experts and “poking conspiracy theorists” accusing Carrington of doing it on purpose. Because clearly, in the middle of a heated playoff game, Carrington’s first thought was, “You know what? Let me go for her eyeball.”
Now, fast forward to the press conference ahead of Game 2. Carrington is minding her business, fielding questions, when WNBA reporter Christine Brennan swoops in with an absolute gem:
“When you swatted at Caitlin, did you mean to hit her in the eye? And could you please explain how you masterfully executed this totally intentional eye jab?”
Okay, we’re paraphrasing. The actual question wasn’t far off though, and the entire room collectively cringed.
Carrington’s reaction was priceless, giving the kind of awkward smile that says, “Did this really just happen?” But being the professional she is, she responded calmly. “Why would I intend to hit anyone in the eye? It doesn’t even make sense.” No kidding. Carrington added that she wasn’t even aware she’d poked Clark. Intentional? More like unintentional and unfortunate.
Enter Josh Hart, always ready to say what we’re all thinking. Clearly fed up with the madness, he took to X (formerly known as Twitter), calling for Brennan’s media credentials to be yanked. “They need to start taking media credentials away for stupid questions like this,” he tweeted. Hart, with the savage efficiency of a veteran player, dunked on the reporter harder than an alley-oop.
And if that wasn’t enough, Caitlin Clark herself chimed in with an “Oh please, let’s move on already” vibe when asked if she thought Carrington’s poke was deliberate. “It wasn’t intentional by any means. Just watch the play,” she said, likely rolling her eyes harder than any poke could manage.
Clark’s black eye may have stolen some headlines, but her shooting performance in Game 1 was what really left people talking. The Fever rookie struggled, scoring just 11 points while going 2-of-13 from beyond the arc. The poke didn’t affect her performance, though; according to Clark, her eye was fine. The shooting slump? Well, let’s just say the rookie playoff jitters got the best of her.
As the Fever prepare for Game 2, Clark will be looking to redeem herself, while Carrington is probably hoping she can avoid another round of “Eye Spy” conspiracy theories. And Josh Hart? Well, he’ll likely be on X, ready to throw another verbal haymaker should anyone else try to outdo Brennan’s ridiculous question.